The alla prima oil portrait is painted directly from the live model, wet in wet. In the manner of Frans Hals or the excellent ‘Head of a Man’ by Rubens in the National Gallery of Ireland, this popular form of portrait is characterised by lively brushwork and a fresh and intuitive response to the person posing for the painting.

This course will cover posing and lighting the sitter for dramatic effect, composition, observation, proportion, the anatomy of the head etc. Over three days students will progress from working with a limited palette to finished work using a full palette of colours. We will also cover some black and white drawing on toned paper and painting different models.

While geared towards painting in oils, the course will also be suitable for those who prefer working in pastel or acrylic.