Tonal Portrait from Life in Oils | Andrew Bonneau

“Andrew Bonneau is a patient and supportive art instructor and very generous with his artistic knowledge. Attending his drawing and painting workshop filled in a lot of gaps in my knowledge and opened up my capabilities. I gained valuable tools and resources and a renewed drive and direction. Given the opportunity, I would definitely attend more of Andrew’s workshops.” - Cindy

About this workshop

Study portraiture with nationally-renowned realist painter, Archibald and Doug Moran Prize finalist, Andrew Bonneau. 

In this workshop you will be guided through the process of creating a portrait from life with a focus on tone. Andrew will share his expertise in how to use tone, a crucial element to realist painting and the foundation for understanding colour, to describe form.

Working from the live portrait model over 2 days students will create a realistic portrait using tonal values with graphite and oils, without the addition of colour (grisaille). We will also discuss the tonal scale and relating the form of the model to the way light is revealed on a sphere. 

We will be working from the life model for the entire workshop.

What will I learn?

Beginning from an initial 'block in' in graphite, we will proceed to develop a refined drawing which we will then transfer to canvas to begin painting. We will then develop a transparent underpainting, followed by a final layer using mixed greys.

All aspects of the process will be discussed and demonstrated, such as proportion, perspective, anatomy, conceptualising the model in relation to the light source, the difference between closed and open grisaille, modelling form and paint handling.

Who is this course suitable for?

Basic knowledge and skills in drawing and painting will be helpful for this workshop.
The more experience you have in painting and drawing from life the better, but the workshop is suitable for all levels.

What do I need to bring?

Canvas Options

• 2 primed linen or cotton canvases or boards. I recommend putting one or two layers of VERY pale grey or brown oil paint on the support so the painting surface isn't too absorbent when you go to paint. You can use white mixed with a very small amount of burnt umber, raw umber or Van Dyke brown. This will need several days to dry before the workshop, you could even add liquin to help dry quicker. (Size- approximately 9 x 12 or 12 x 14 inches.)

Oil Colours - Andrew recommends professional brands such as Winsor & Newton, Norma Schmincke, Old Holland, Michael Harding, Gamblin, Vasari, Winsor and Newton

• White- lead, flake or titanium, Van Dyke Brown, Raw Umber, Burnt Umber, Ivory Black

Brushes

• A variety of sizes (small to medium), make sure you have several small ones - 0, 1, 2, 3 etc... Synthetic or sable are recommended as well as one pretty large hog hair brush for large areas.

Drawing Materials

• HB Pencils
• Kneaded eraser
• Paper - 1 sheet, about 18 x 24 inches, cartridge, not too rough or smooth
• Blade and sandpaper for sharpening pencils

Other Materials

• Palette knife
• Small handheld mirror
• Palette (Andrew recommends a wooden palette sealed with oil or varnish) Perspex and disposable palettes are available for sale from Bienarte.
• Odourless solvent in a jar with lid
• Paper towel
• Medium - recommend a 50/50 mix of Stand Oil and Odourless solvent, However any other oil painting medium would be fine too. Bring it in a jar.

What is Provided?

• Clothed life model for the duration of the workshop
• Standing Easels, tables, drawing boards and chairs
• Large light-filled studio space
• Tea and coffee (you might like to bring your own cup)
• A friendly, supportive and encouraging learning environment
• Connection to the Bienarté art community