Portraits in oils for beginners with Richard Kitson
Please note that this workshop is now being held at Old Brampton Schoolroom, Main Road, Old Brampton, Chesterfield S42 7JG - please see the little map below
Learn how to understand the human face by joining Richard Kitson with your oil paints. This fascinating workshop will take you right from the first steps and look at mixing skin tones, facial structure and capturing likeness. If you have tried oil paints but never taken the leap to portraits, with Richard’s guidance you will find it easy to start your painting journey here. With a foundation on the basic elements, this workshop is suitable for all abilities.
But I prefer acryilcs - can I bring them instead?
Yes, this class is also suitable for acrylics, if used with a retarding medium to slow down the drying time.
I'm quite nervous about portraits - what will I acheive in the day?
There is no expectation at all to paint a masterpiece - just to have a go. Following Richard's guidance, you will be surprised by your output! Being part of a class of likeminded participants is fun and inspiring, and as you learn you will gain confidence to experiment and enjoy your painting.
The workshop will be carried out using photographic reference images.
Tutor: Richard Kitson
Richard Kitson MA is a figurative artist based in Barnsley, South Yorkshire. Kitson has exhibited in the UK and internationally and was a participant in Sky Arts Portrait Artist of the Year in 2018. Kitson’s work has been featured in selected group exhibitions including the Royal Society of Portrait Painters, Ruth Borchard Self-Portrait Prize, Figurative Art Now and the Cork Street Open. His work hangs in various public and private collections. His enthusiastic teaching style will help you acheive your goals and set you in the right direction with your painting.
Refreshments provided and with everyone bringing a packed lunch and an apron. This is a non-residential workshop.
If you have no materials of your own, some will be available to borrow during the workshop, i.e. paints and brushes. Suitable canvases can be purchased on the day at cost.
Materials list to bring with you:
Recommended colours - if you don’t have them please bring the nearest you have:
Ultramarine Blue
Burnt Umber
Cadmium Red
Cadmium Yellow Pale
Yellow Ochre
Titanium White
If you are bringing oils, please bring low odour thinners - if you don’t have this we can supply some on the day FOC.
A water pot/pot for your thinners
A selection of suitable brushes
Mixing palette - flat is often best.
A suitable canvas or two to work on - there will be some available to purchase at cost on the day if you do not have one. The size recommended is around A3. You can also use canvas paper if you prefer.
Please bring an easel if you wish to stand - otherwise boards and props for the desks are supplied.
Finally an apron or old shirt.
Refreshments (tea/coffee and biscuits) are provided but please bring a packed lunch for the day.
The images we will be working from are attached to this message, in case you might like to view them on an iPad. They will also be available on the day as prints to work from. If you have another photograph you would prefer to work from, please do bring this along too - even if we don’t have time for these, you will find them helpful on the day.
To find the Old School Room:
Parking is on-site. If driving from Chesterfield, take the Ashgate Road, pass the Ashgate Hospice and keep going until you pass the church - slow right down and turn right into the School Room car park. If arriving from the Robin Hood side, look out for the Church and if you pass it, you can pull in and turn around in the church car park, which is on the left. I will have the kettle on to welcome you! If you have a quick look on Google maps, the post code of S42 7JG will bring you quite near.
