June Figure Workshop 2021

Stacy, Jackie, and Sherrie have all studied with David and all of them will be present for a live critique of Stacy’s painting demo. This has never been attempted before–showing what development actually requires! They will then show an extensive slide presentation to explain how the figure historically has been part of different visual ideas. They will take questions from the audience and anticipate a robust discussion of what it means to get better. Then there will be an exciting preview of the workshop!

David uses an existing painting of one of his favorite models to explore a slightly different concept than the original. As David is still challenging himself, this bold demonstration will fill the entire three hours. He’ll guide you through his process and answer any questions you have. This first painting will set the stage for the rest of the workshop where you will learn what it means to think abstractly but paint realistically, and will underscore how learning has no end-point.

Jackie will do two demonstrations–the first in pastel and the second in oil– flanking a vignetted figure by Sherrie. Jackie starts off the morning with a female figure in an interior with an arrangement of flowers. Then Sherrie follows with a pastel of a bearded mountain man from a drawing. The final demo is a second version in oil of Jackie’s first set-up, this time, however,  in a vertical composition. These different ideas will stimulate conversations about choosing a particular medium over another for an idea. The theme of how to get  better will continue.

Sherrie will do the only watercolor in this workshop. Working from a photo on Bristol board, you’ll see how her direct way of working is perfect for the subject.

As it is a posthumous portrait, she makes necessary changes in order to improve the composition as a painting. Finally she paints a local model from life.  Because he is nude to the waist, you will see how she handles skin and clothing. These demos are arguably two of the best figure demonstrations BLFA has captured on film.

This large painting is not one David would normally tackle for a demonstration. In fact, this isn’t a demonstration—it is the start of a piece for an upcoming show. This discussion will help you understand the differences in concepts as they pertain to the figure. This last day will be a great way to wrap up the workshop by answering all the questions you have about various ideas with figures, so that you too can start exploring one of art history’s richest genres and learn what it takes to get better!