Oil painting: the painted portrait sketch
Weekend-long practical course
25 January 2020 10.30am - 5.30pm26 January 2020 10.30am - 5.30pm
The Clore Learning Centre, Burlington Gardens, Royal Academy of Arts
£520. Includes all materials, light refreshments and a wine reception at the end of day one.
Lucian Freud: The Self-portraits
Terms and conditions
In this weekend course explore the descriptive and expressive possibilities of the oil portrait sketch.
The painted portrait sketch, a relatively recent mode of painting rarely seen before the 17th century, has been used by artists looking to reveal something that eludes more conventional works. In their brevity and immediacy, a portrait sketch can allow the artist to convey a powerful and expressive purity, while evoking the overall essence of a sitter.
Throughout this weekend course participants will learn how to unlock the different elements within the construction of their portraits. Working from two models and making multiple images in oil paint, each sketch will make use of changes in scale, palette and duration to ensure a different approach is deployed for each sketch. Both days will begin with a brief demonstration by the tutor, Andrew James, as well as allow the participants to draw two oil sketches per day.
Throughout each day there will be opportunities for personalised, one-to-one feedback from the course tutor, as well as a crit presentation at the end of the course.
Minimum age 18. If you have any accessibility needs, please contact academicprogrammes@royalacademy.org.uk.
About the tutor
Andrew James
Andrew James is a practising artist working predominately in oil paint. He is a member of the Royal Society of Portrait Painters and was formerly its Vice President (2008-2014). Winner of several awards for his portrait painting, Andrew works in a very direct way, with a strong emphasis upon the gestural and expressive quality of oil paint.
With work in public and private collections, Andrew has also exhibited extensively in the UK, including at the New English Art Club, the Royal Society of Portrait Painters and the BP Portrait Award, National Portrait Gallery. He has also had his work broadcast on the BBC1 series Star Portraits, and has been teaching portraiture for over ten years. Awards include the Carroll Foundation Award (1998), The Artists Award (2011) and The Changing Faces Award (2013).
Our courses and classes programme
Our varied programme of short courses and classes provides an opportunity to explore subjects ranging from life drawing to the history of exhibitions and arts management, led by expert tutors and practising artists. These courses introduce traditional art-making processes, as well as perspectives on art history, theory and business.
Give this course as a gift
All of our courses can be purchased as a gift for a friend or family member – giving the gift of education and a remarkable experience. To arrange a personalised Gift Voucher, please contact the Academic Programmes Team, by calling 020 7300 5641 or email academicprogrammes@royalacademy.org.uk