
Portrait Painting
from a
Master Work
with
Holly White-Gehrt
Have you ever wondered just how they did it? By studying a Master's work and learning the steps of indirect painting, you can gain great insight and knowledge about how they painted.
​​​
"Before I discovered the atelier method, I thought that a good artist should be able to paint a good portrait starting with little more than a blank canvas and a model. Little did I know there was methodology used by great artists of the past. I was amazed that it was possible for me to learn how to paint as they did!" - Holly's observation after meeting Juliette Aristides for the first time.
​​
Indirect painting means painting in layers. In this workshop, we will begin by transferring a drawing to canvas. Next we will paint an "open grisaille" layer to establish the value range. Finally we will begin color painting on top, in layers. You will learn to match color and to lay paint down in efficient and effective strokes. These steps firmly establish a solid foundation to a "master study" that can be finished independently, in time beyond the four days of this workshop.
​
By studying a master's work, we can have a "conversation" with artists of centuries past. Studying the work of artists one admires is a long and valuable tradition.
​
​Some oil painting experience is recommended.​
​
A high quality reference will be provided. Below are a few possibilities.




June 10-13, 2025
Tues - Fri
9:30am - 4:30pm
Tuition: $425
CE* Tuition: $350
*discount for teachers fulfilling continuing education requirements
William-Adolphe Bouguereau
Gardeuse de moutons (The Shepherdess) 1881, Oil on canvas

First a drawing is made. Next it is transferred to the painting surface.

An under-painting is done to establish the values from the midtown wash up to the lightest lights.

Finally color painting commences, applied in layers.

Painting directly from a Bouguereau by special permission in the Frye Museum, Seattle
