Adam Miller – Composing narrative figure paintings From Conception to Finish
(Baroque Painting Techniques)
May 15 – May 26, 2017
Course fee: €1500 (€1000 Deposit, balance payable by January 30, 2017)

We will discuss the visual language of painting and how to think about and plan a narrative painting. Each student will design a single figure composition based on a mythological story I will choose(likely Venus as it involves a nude as is a simple subject).

The first stage will be to reference the stories around this character (Venus) and choose a narrative to represent. This narrative will then be described in a written statement that the student will hold to in developing their visual representation.This will be developed in loose sketches using pencil charcoal and paint. Each step will focus on developing different aspects of the composition. We will explore lighting, perspective, aerial perspective, color, gesture and integrating the figure into a space.

I will illustrate this process from my own work and photos of my process as used in paintings I have completed. When the sketches are satisfactorily developed we will set about finding reference and taking photos as needed from a live model. I will explain how to light and shoot good photo reference. A final sketch will be developed from this photo reference using the same procedure used in the final painting.

The canvas will be drawn on, primed with an atmosphere color and painted. These colors will be the same in each stage as will be used in the final painting. This acts as a rehearsal for the final painting. As we develop color I will talk about color theory in more depth and how light and color are used in traditional painting. The next stage will be to develop studies of individual areas of the painting that must be further explored so the students understand where they are going in the final painting. When all details are understood we will do the final drawing on the canvas. This will be followed by an imprimatura that will be chosen for its resemblance to the final painting. The next stage is the actual painting This will be done in solid over all color at first and finished by scumbling and glazing.

This class is designed for intermediate to advanced artists.

Application Procedure

1.      Class hours are: 9am to 4pm with lunch at 12 noon (6 hours a day, five days a week)
2.      Upon acceptance of your application you agree to abide by our studio rules
3.      When you are admitted into the program, you are required to make your payment using paypal/credit card. If you prefer to make payment via  bank transfer, please email studio@flemishclassicalatelier.com for instructions on how to proceed.
4.    Tuition is non-refundable. Should Flemish Classical Atelier cancel the course for any reason, all paid fees will be refunded.
5.   Accommodation: You may make your own accommodation arrangement. Here is an accommodation list to help you.
6.    If you have questions or need additional help, do not hesitate to contact us