Painting the modern portrait - oil painting class in Berlin

Content overview

This is a unique opportunity to work alongside Artist and tutor Hannah Turner-Duffin in the studio in an intimate group of five. With tips and techniques for creating an interesting portrait, this portrait class will present you with the fundamentals of representational portrait painting focusing on tonal values, composition, form, colour theory, mixing and mark-making.The aim is to grow in confidence using oil paint, understand the foundational skills of drawing and painting primarily the human head, but can include the whole figure according to each individual’s interest.

Starting with a series of drawing exercises to warm up in charcoal and dry pastels on paper to ‘get your eye in’ and get to know the model, moving onto fast paced oil sketches and wet on wet on prepared paper before making a more sustained study on canvas. Hannah will work alongside you, guiding you through unique tips and techniques to achieve the painting as you go along, sharing with students the process by which she paints and offer some short demonstrations at different stages to illustrate what she is teaching to the group. You will be given tips throughout on how to use oils, including mixing your palette, handling tone and colour mixing as well as preparing your surface and building your composition.The class will conclude with a group critique to finish, look and discuss all the paintings together After the class you are free to leave the painting in the studio and pick up at a later date. With your permission paintings are promoted on social media and our online gallery.

What is included in the course ?

The course fee included all costs of the life model, tuition, materials, surfaces, light refreshments and other studio equipment. With your permission that all includes your paintings on social media and our online gallery.

What do I need to bring ?

Please bring clothes that can get dirty and creative energy. Aprons and haus Shoes are here but you can bring your own slippers! We will send out details over the course prior to the day you attend, the email will contain all the information you need to know about the class and the studio. If you are feeling slightly unwell please do not attend! Just let me know :) Some students like to bring their own brushes, go ahead!

Where ?

Taught in our beautiful Neukölln attic studio in the heart of the Neukölln art district far from the bustle of the street. Some people describe the space as a hidden 500 year old Florentine workshop. The space is roughly 100 years old and in the spring / summer you can enjoy the roof.