Working in black and white is one of my favourite ways to work. It reminds of photos of the past, that needed no colour to tell a story.
Monochrome painting allows you to focus completely on contrast and shape. Choosing the right values is easier when you work this way.
In this workshop I’d like to show you some layering techniques with acrylic paint and a medium. If you’ve never worked with these materials, don’t worry, I have videos for you on the materials and the techniques used.
Layering paint is a different way to create values than mixing paint, and you might even find it easier. It has the added benefit of creating a nice painterly feel. Acrylic can sometimes come off a little graphic and plastic-y. Working with transparent layers can remedy that.
This workshop was previously featured on Kara Bullock’s Let’s Face It 2022 and I’ve seen a lot of amazing student work from it! I hope you will enjoy this workshop as well.
Much love,
Sabra
1. Materials
I’ll show you the materials I’m using, explain a little bit about them. And I also have alternatives for you to replace my choices with.
2. Techniques
With some paint swatches I will show you how layering with acrylic paint and medium looks like.
3. Background and sketch
We’ll draw in our figure sketch based on a partial grid, using a cardboard square.
4. First layers
We’ll build the basics shapes that will define the figure, using layers of paint. Ever heard of the ‘ugly stage’ or ‘creepy phase’? This is it! 😛
5. Adding contrast and texture
The background needs to keep up, because it affects the overall mood of the image. We’ll use paint transfers and other techniques to add depth and texture.
6. Details
Let’s work on refining some of those rougher layers we did earlier on, and some details in place where we feels it would work.
7. Final touches
At the end of this project, there are some things I’d like to change or add. I’ll show you how to make corrections at a later stage; being able to do that always comes in handy. Then we finish this project and say goodbye.
Supplies
In the PDF you’ll find the materials we’re going to be working with. You can also find some substitutions in there!
Drawing guides
My goal is to make all my classes accessible for all levels, even if you’re just starting out. It’s also important to me that you have fun. If sketching isn’t for you use the drawing guides.
I have created these guides and outlines for you to use as you please. Trace them, transfer them, do what makes your art process feel good!
PDF guide
Looking for something and don’t feel like watching all the videos again? No worries! I’ve created a PDF guide with all the painting steps, including still images from the videos for you.
A monochrome figure painting workshop
A workshop is generally shorter than a full course. It focusses on a specific technique and palette. Usually you can finish a workshop project in a few days.
When you register for any of my online workshops, you can login to you account here my website. From your account, you can access any course you’ve purchased. No need to get up or go out! 🙂
Your account and courses are private; that means only you can access them. You can access your available lessons any time that suits you. That also goes for lesson information, supply lists and reference photos. It’s all well organised in your course environment.
You can always access your course or workshop by logging in at my website. In the navigation menu, go to “My account” and you will see your purchase there.
You can watch the videos in my dedicated learning environment. Just make sure you’re logged in and you can enter the class room! All materials and resources are also available on the course page.
All my courses and workshops have a suggested level indicated. It’s meant as a way to let you know how much in-depth explaining is done during the course.
You are more than welcome to join any course at any level, no matter where you are in your art journey. Everyone learns differently! Some techniques may prove to be a challenge but I will explain it to you in a way that allows you to follow exactly what I’m doing. There are several drawing guides that you can print out, to help you no matter your level.
Please keep in mind that learning is a process. A beginner will need different guidance than an experienced painter. Don’t feel discouraged if you’re not able to master some techniques at once. Art is a skill you can hone and my art community is a safe and judgement-free zone where you can share your progress.
When you do a self-paced course or workshop, you can ask any questions or share work in my private community! I also do regular Zoom meeting and livestreams that you can join!
Because my courses and workshops are instantly accessible I cannot grant refunds unfortunately. However, if you have an issue please do contact me and we’ll figure it out!
Unfortunately at this time I don’t offer any payment plans.
Lifetime access means that the courses you’ve purchased will be available to you on this website for as long as I’m in business. Should that time ever end, I will inform you and give you plenty of time to download videos and materials that you want to keep.
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