March 15 - 16, 2025
The Portrait Simplifying the Complex w/Ellen Cooper
Wayne Art Center • 413 Maplewood Ave Wayne, PA 19087 Organized by Wayne Art CenterAbout this event
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Description
The Portrait - Simplifying the Complexw/Ellen CooperMarch 15 & 169:30am - 4:00pmThis workshop will simplify the complexity of information that a face presents by breaking down the two critical components of “likeness” and “light on form”. While painting from a live model, we will achieve a likeness by identifying the simple proportions of the face and features. Additionally, to understand how “light on form” works we will identify the simple structure of the values in light and shadow, and see how this creates a sense of dimension in your work. Demos will show a step by step of the simplifying process and how to build complexity from there. Our paintings will start with a grisaille (tonal study in paint) and then move into color with a simplified palette.
The workshop is geared toward oil painting but mediums other than oil are welcome: please contact instructor about materials. Drawing experience highly recommended. Some experience with oils is useful.
Handouts provided to describe the process and the principles. One-on-one feedback at your easels in a supportive atmosphere.
Brief bio: Ellen Cooper is a professional artist and paints portraits for the public and private sectors. Now a Signature Status member of the Portrait Society of America, Ellen earned an MFA from Temple University, Philadelphia, PA and a BFA from Tyler School of Art, Philadelphia, PA, and has continued study in formal painting techniques with renowned contemporary portrait artists. www.ellencooper.net.
Materials List:MATERIALS LIST FOR “THE PORTRAIT – SIMPLIFYING THE COMPLEX”SATURDAY - SUNDAY WORKSHOP – MARCH 15-16, 2025INSTRUCTOR: ELLEN COOPER
Please email me with any questions at ellencooper@ellencooper.netBrushes:good-quality bristle filberts: #2, 4, 6, 8, 10. Dick Blick brand works fine. Silver Brush Grand Prix filberts are my favorite.1 soft mop-like brush to “knock down” edges (ex. Silver brand Mop #20)Bring any other types and sizes you like including sables, flats, rounds, synthetics. It’s nice to work with some soft or sable brushes in addition to bristle.
Oil Paints (37 ml tubes): Titanium white Transparent Yellow Iron Oxide (my brand is M. Graham) or Yellow Ochre Cadmium yellow medium. Make sure it’s “medium”, not “light” or “deep”. This should be a very warm, rich yellow; not “lemony”.Cadmium red light. Make sure it’s “light” (my brand is Rembrandt because it’s a warm red)Alizarin Crimson Transparent Red Iron Oxide (my brand is M. Graham) or Burnt Sienna.Phthalocyanine Green (my brand is M. Graham) or Viridian.Phthalocyanine Blue (my brand is M. Graham)French Ultramarine Blue Deep
Painting Surface: One surface, roughly 16” x 20”. This can be a primed board or primed canvas. If canvas, it can be pre-stretched primed canvas, or, unstretched primed canvas taped to a stiff board (board size should not exceed 18” x 24”).We will work on the surface un-toned.Try different painting surfaces to find which works best for you; the ground or primer on which you work makes a big difference in how your paint moves on the surface. I prefer a less absorbent ground such as oil primed canvas or linen or board.Other supplies:Palette either hand-held or table-top in wood, plexi-glass, or disposable paper palette. I like using a mid-value-grey palette. 16”x20” is a good size.Palette knife for mixing paint.Gamsol, turpenoid or other odorless thinner in container. Make sure it’s completely odorless; if you can smell it, don’t bring it .Large Palette cups to clip to palette for medium and thinner, or tuna cans or plastic jars. Rags and/or paper towels for wiping brushes.A roll of blue absorbent car wipes from Pep Boys or hardware store are nice for grisaille, and can take the place of rags/paper towels.Medium, optional. Small jar of Liquin or linseed oil.
OPTIONAL: Hand-held mirror to check the accuracy of your work (about 5” x 7” mirror)Bird watching binoculars, for the ability to see detail close up. The binoculars that I use are from B&H Photo: Pentax 8.5 x 21 U-Series Papilio 11 Binoculars
Instructor
Ellen Cooper
Age and Gender
Co-Ed