How To Make a Master Copy in Oils (Last Spot)

If you've ever wandered around a museum and wanted to know "How on earth do these artists do this?", this class is for you.

Course Schedule

Tuesdays, 6:30 – 9:30 PM October 7, 14, 21, 28

If you've ever wandered around a museum and wanted to know "How on earth do these artists do this??", this class is for you. Copying master painters of the past is a tried and true way to learn the basics of painting, as well as the specific approach and rationale of your favorite artists. This class focuses on learning the techniques and painting process of legendary portrait artist John Singer Sargent. We'll be doing a copy of his portrait of Lady Agnew, starting with prepping the canvas, how to use the Sight Size technique, sketching out the head in charcoal, broadly modeling the form using Direct Painting, and lastly finishing with details in the features as well as some painterly flourishes. In this class you'll gain a whole new appreciation for Sargent's work and by the end have your own handmade forgery to hang on your wall.

• 4-session live oil painting course focusing on master copy techniques
• Learn John Singer Sargent's portrait painting methods and approach
• Copy the famous portrait of Lady Agnew using classical techniques
• Master the Sight Size technique and Direct Painting methods
• Every class starts with lecture and demonstration
• 2.5 hours of open painting time with individual feedback
• Open to all skill levels - no prior experience required

Our primary concern is with Sargent's approach rather than trying to use the exact historical materials from the 19th century. The colors that are strictly necessary are listed below:

Essential Paint Colors

• • White (Cremnitz or Titanium white)
• • Cadmium Yellow (or Hansa Yellow)
• • Yellow Ochre
• • Cadmium Red (or Naphthol Red)
• • Burnt Sienna
• • Raw Umber
• • Ultramarine Blue
• • Ivory Black
• • Raw Umber acrylic (for toning canvas)

Optional Colors

Sargent would have used these colors, but they are not necessary (cobalts and cadmiums are very pricey):

• • Venetian Red
• • Alizarin Crimson
• • Cadmium Orange
• • Viridian
• • Cobalt Blue
• • Cobalt Violet

Brushes & Tools

• • 3 stiff brushes (hog bristle or synthetic)
• • 3-4 soft brushes (sable or soft synthetic)
• • At least one tiny soft brush for details

Canvas & Drawing Materials

• • Stretched canvas or linen (12x16 to 18x24)
• • Smooth-medium texture acrylic primed linen
• • Willow charcoal or soft vine charcoal
• • 220 grit sandpaper
• • Kneadable eraser
• • 18 inch piece of string for measuring
• • Hand mirror