Through the Looking Glass: Portraits and Self-Portraits

Jan 30 - Feb 1, 2015

Venus Studio, Palm Desert, CA

During this workshop, portraiture will be explored as an important artistic genre. A rich slate of visual examples will be provided for you so you’ll take away an array of creative possibilities for the portrait. Employing simple brainstorming and research exercises, you will be taught how to delve beyond surface appearances in order to reveal more about the unique person. You will be shown how effective the descriptive powers of expression, posture, symbolism, and choice of color palette can be.

Once you understand that the selection of tools, materials, techniques, and stylistic approaches can also provide specific information about your subject, you will realize the boundless choices available. Expect to have surprising creative discoveries (as Alice did when she contemplated the world on the other side of the Looking Glass) as we learn about the human face.

This workshop was also held September 25–27, 2015 at the Hannon Barn in Arroyo Grande, CA.