Figure Painting

session 3

JuLY 1, 2024 – juLY 12, 2024

This class is centered around painting modern paintings from life that are informed by the numerous great works of classical painting and sculpture in Rome.

Taking inspiration from these works, we will study value, proportion, and how to render form, as well as utilizing more contemporary methods of painting, such as modern use of color, paint application, and lighting. Hollis will encourage a practical use of proportion and anatomy, focusing on major anatomical landmarks, studying the way that master painters model form and make color choices. Additionally, emphasis will be placed on painting the space around the figure, in order to create a convincing sense of atmosphere and light in the manner of more modern painters.The instructor will demonstrate several methods of direct painting, from the use of thick and thin paint in the style of painters like Rembrandt and Rubens, to the naturalistic color and light effects of the Impressionists. Students will be encouraged to build the sense of form from the largest masses first, to create a sense of finish and quality drawing before small details are added. In addition to painting from life each day, we will be taking several trips to museums and churches to study various works of the masters, in order to benefit from the full immersive experience of being in Rome.