Attending a workshop? – Here’s what you will need

The following is a list of the equipment and materials you will need, however, don’t panic if there is anything you can’t get hold of or forgotten to buy, I carry some basic stock.

Photographic reference to work from

We will be exploring two types of lighting in the subjects we paint, and you will need a good quality reference for each:-

1. Dramatic picture with dark shadow areas and contrasting lighter areas, as seen on more characterful faces with strong features

2. More even toned imagery with a front on light source, for example, as seen on softer more delicate features

Try to avoid:-

1. Bleached out pictures where the contrast is so strong there is nothing to see in the lighter areas

2. Pictures that are smaller than say 4” high and bigger than 10”

3. Pictures that are out of focus

4. Photocopies of photocopies

5. Please do bring black and white as well as colour versions

In the event that you struggle to find suitable pictures, try an online photographic library such as istock. I generally find that purchasing and downloading the smaller sizes of the pictures required are sufficient in terms of quality.

Please remember that this is an opportunity to explore and develop technique, which is best done with a picture that has little or no personal significance. Tackling a painting that has considerable meaning for you can prevent you from letting go and taking the risks necessary to learn and develop.

Brushes

I always recommend Rosemary’s Brushes to students – firstly because they offer great value for the quality, and secondly because they are hand-made in Yorkshire by Rosemary and her family. Order online and your brushes will be with you in a day or two – easy! www.rosemaryandco.com

These are my recommendations:-

1 X Sable / nylon rigger series 771 size 2-LH
2X Ivory Fan/6
1X Ivory /8 Filbert
1X Ivory/6 Filbert
1X Ivory/4 Filbert
1X Ivory/2 Filbert
1X Ivory/0 Filbert
Hog Bristle series 24 large flat 40mm

Canvas

1. Please bring two primed canvasses no smaller than 16” x 20”. Buy the best quality you can afford

2. Also bring one canvas board (cheap one) of a similar size as a ‘just in case’ spare

3. Avoid working on your drawing before the workshop begins, although it is always a good idea to give your canvas an extra coat of white acrylic. This is because even the best canvasses can be a bit patchy with primer

Paints

1. Acrylics – titanium white / black / burnt umber / paynes grey / ultramarine / cad red / yellow ochre / white

2. Oils – titanium white / black / flesh tint / raw umber / cad red / alizarin crimson / yellow ochre

FOR 3 DAY PORTRAIT WORKSHOP ONLY
3. Alkyds (quick drying oil paints) paynes grey / burnt umber – these will help to ensure glazes dry overnight

Pencils

1. Please bring at least 6 x 2b pencils

2. 2 X dark colour watercolour pencils – these can be used for squaring up on the canvas as they be erased easily with water

3. Easels – I have number of floor standing easels available for anyone that needs one. If you prefer to use your own that is not a problem. I provide each student with a table so that those who bring table easels can use them.

Glazing medium mix

I will provide this for the workshop, however please bring your own turpentine, substitute or white spirit and containers for cleaning up

Miscellaneous bits and pieces

1. Palette or paper palettes (A3 if possible)

2. Containers for water, white spirit and medium

3. Johnson’s cotton buds

4. Cotton cloths to rip up for wiping off glaze

5. Pencil sharpener, scissors, paper, rubber, notebook and apron

6. Ruler and/or a set square of at least 24”will be useful

Any questions or specific requests just get in touch and we will do our best to help – call Cathy on 01367 252 206

Final ingredient – a desire to learn whilst having a bit of fun along the way!