Long-Pose Figure Painting

In week one, Joseph will introduce you to the prepping process of a long-pose figure painting. He will demonstrate how to work with the model to achieve a realistic pose to hold for long periods yet still contains excellent rhythms. You will also watch Joseph create a value study from life.

In week two, you will learn how to create a color study for a long-pose figure painting. Joseph will walk you through his color palette. You will watch him block in the drawing with charcoal, then paint over with thinned-out paints as a value wash. Joseph will lecture on color harmony and color mixing as he develops his study.

In week three, Joseph will walk you through the beginning stage of a long-pose figure painting. You will watch him create the initial drawing of big masses and proportions on his canvas. Then, Joseph will focus on developing the main focal point of the painting; the portrait.

In week four, you will learn how to paint the torso and the arms while paying attention to their anatomy landmarks. You will watch Joseph develop with care the second focal point of the painting; the hand. He will teach you how to suggestively paint the breasts to only provide enough information for the viewers to interpret the rest.

In week five, you will learn how to resolve a long-pose figure painting. Joseph will teach you how to approach the lower half of the figure and the fabric in this pose. You will study the characteristics of neutral colors and the importance of anatomy.

In week six, Joseph will demonstrate how to set up a model pose inspired by master paintings. You will learn how to direct the model to achieve a particular feel. Joseph will show you two ways of creating drawing studies for his figure paintings.

In week seven, Joseph will show you how to develop a color study for this second painting. You will focus on the essentials of the pose and grouping values. Joseph will demonstrate how to block in the large masses of the figure and refine them with halftones.

In week eight, you will learn how to block in a long-pose figure painting. Joseph will lecture on the importance of turbulence when building up a painting. You will watch him adjust the proportions on the spot and making corrections through observation and intuition.

In week nine, Joseph demonstrates how to develop the shadow mass of a long-pose figure painting. You will study his tips and tricks for working back into a dry surface. Joseph will teach you how to create a juxtaposition of color within the flesh tone.

In week ten, Joseph will demonstrate how he brings this second figure painting to completion. You will learn how to create a hierarchy and establish unity and balance through the rendering of light.