Alla Prima Portrait Painting (Achieving a Likeness) - Session A
Adult Class | This class is completed
This class explores painting the portrait from life. Students will learn a direct painting method for capturing the light and form of the head as well as a convincing likeness of the model. Using a direct painting approach, students will learn to quickly and accurately establish the gesture, shapes, and structures of the human head. Perspective, as well as basic anatomical landmarks will also be taught to further supplement observation with knowledge to inform mark making and sculptural awareness. Keeping a simple palette, this method will also build upon itself towards longer studies and projects.
- *Students should have taken Fundamentals of Drawing or Atmospheric Portraiture as a prerequisite.
Supplies:
Palette - wooden rectangular palette - 11x14 or larger. Must be stained a dark neutral brown and SEALED. NO palette paper. Glass is acceptable.
Brushes - 2 of each of the following: Bristle Filberts sizes #4,#3,#2,#1. Blick's Masterstroke and Silver Grand Prix are recommended brands.
Palette Knife
Rags - Viva paper towels recommended
Solvent - Odorless Mineral Spirits in a SEALED jar
Medium - 1 part stand oil to 2 parts solvent
Canvas: you will need a 16x20 canvas or canvas panel each class, toned a neutral gray. For canvas toning procedure, see below. This will also be demonstrated the first day: Take Meininger’s neutral gray acrylic paint and squeeze about a tablespoon of paint into a mixing bowl. Stir in a little water and thin until you get the consistency of melted ice cream. Take a wide chip brush to scrub this mixture onto your canvas. Once covered, carefully drag the brush from one end of the canvas to another to make even, parallel strokes. Let dry.
Oil Paints: Professional Grade paint required. I recommend Winsor Newton, Utrecht, and Rembrandt brands. You'll need the following colors: Titanium White, Burnt Umber, Alizarin Crimson, Cadmium Red, Cadmium Yellow, Ultramarine Blue, Ivory Black
Alexander Soukas
Alexander’s studies began at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts in a coordinated program with the University of Pennsylvania. Unsatisfied with his studies, he pursued classical training at Studio Incamminati where he graduated from their 4 year advanced fine art program. While there, he worked for and studied under world renowned painter Nelson Shanks as his last apprentice and studio assistant. Soukas also studied structural anatomy, figure drawing and sculpture at the Grand Central Atelier and The Boston School of Painting.
After his formal training in Philadelphia, Alexander moved to Colorado, where he has been a faculty member at the Art Students League of Denver for a decade. He maintains a studio space and school dedicated to the study of contemporary realist art, Studio Metaxu, in the heart of downtown Denver, offering classes in painting and drawing and the study of the human figure.
He has exhibited throughout the country including Abend Gallery, Stanek Gallery, Manitou Gallery in Santa Fe, the Union League of Philadelphia, and the Comcast Center.
www.alexsoukas.com