Portrait Drawing and Painting – Beginning

Professional artist and instructor Ernest Varner says, “If you can sign your name and I can read it, you can learn to draw and paint portraits and figures. Now that that’s out of the way, let’s have some fun!!” This class is designed to take the mystery out of painting portraits and figures whether you prefer classical realism or impressionism. It will concentrate on capturing a likeness in fresh vibrant flesh tones in oils or pastels while working from photos. Particular attention will be given to understanding light and shadow and how to model light and shadow, with the use of more expressive drawing, value, color, edges and brushwork techniques, to create the illusion of form. Instructor demos, slide presentations, lectures and critiques are intended to enhance students’ self expression so they can take their skills to the next level. Mr. Varner has studied with many of today’s portrait masters and brings all of those skills to the classroom to add to each student’s quest for personal expression.