Simplifying the Portrait: A Step-by-Step Approach with a Live Model with Rob Silverman
Adult Classes | FULL
Ever feel overwhelmed by portrait drawing? Let’s change that. In this engaging, hands-on class,
you’ll learn how to simplify the portrait process—one clear, confidence-building step at a time.
With a live model as our guide, you’ll discover just how approachable (and fun!) portraiture can
be. Whether you’re brand new to drawing and painting faces or looking to sharpen your skills, this
class will give you the tools to see clearly, paint boldly, and enjoy the process. Through easy to follow demos, personalized feedback, and plenty of practice, you’ll learn how to break down the
human head into shapes, form and values that make sense.
What to Expect:
• A relaxed, encouraging atmosphere
• Tips on seeing like an artist—simplifying what you see
• Tricks for capturing likeness without getting stuck in the details
• Tips for mixing flesh color that brings the subject to 3-dimensional life
• Live model = real-time practice + fresh inspiration
Join us and unlock the joy of portraiture without the pressure. You’ll leave with stronger skills,
greater confidence, and maybe even a few new art friends!
• Class is confirmed 1 week prior to start and may be cancelled due to low enrollment
• The suggested ages are guidelines only; please contact us if you have questions
• Late registrations are welcome. Call to have your tuition adjusted
• Please review our policies regarding make-ups, refunds, and enrollment at www.theartguild.org/policies
- All mediums are welcome. Below are suggestions.
- OIL
- For experienced painters, bring the colors you are comfortable with. Please use Turpanoid as a substitute for turpentine. Beginners may want to try water soluble oils (Lukas Berlin from Jerrys Artarama is an inexpensive option). Light to medium toned (similar to the color of sand paper or a midtone grey) stretched canvas or panel, 11x14, 12x16, or 14x18 preferred. A hand-held mirror is recommended, as well as a View Catcher or equivalent.
- BRUSHES
- A selection of brushes each from 2 (2 brushes), 4 (3 brushes), 6 (1), 8 (1) sizes—Princeton Aspen are a good choice. Please have mostly filberts and a few small rounds.
- Paper Towels
- Palette; or 12x16 Richeson gray palette pad
- Palette knife
- COLORS (limited palette† is ok)
- Cerulean Blue†
- Cobalt Blue
- Ultramarine Blue†
- Chromium Oxide Green†
- Viridian†
- Alizaron Crimson†
- Burnt Sienna†
- Raw Umber†
- Flesh
- Yellow Ochre†
- Naples Yellow
- Cad Red†
- Cad Orange
- Cad Yellow†
- Titanium White†
- Ivory Black†
- CHARCOAL OR PASTEL (as option to oil)
- Canson Mi-Teinte 3 or 4 total sheets (for padding) of middle grey color such as light blue, light grey or wave green or 12x16 Canson pad of various colors of greys (use smoother side of paper)
- --sharpener, and/or single-edge razor blades; emory board (works better than sandpaper blocks)
- --paper stumps, and paper towels--kneaded erasers--chamois (chammy) cloth
- Pastel: Bring our own set of pastels or buy nupastel prismacolor or faber-castelle hard pastel set of 36 (I will also have pastels you can experiment with on hand).
- Charcoal: White charcoal pencil and hb, 2b, 4b, 6 (Generals brand charcoal pencils preferred).
Rob Silverman
Rob Silverman’s innovative techniques have been featured in American Artist Workshop Magazine and The Art of the Portrait, the official publication of the Portrait Society of America. His work has appeared at Crosby Street Gallery and Spring Studio Gallery in Soho, the Art League of Long Island, Edward Hopper House, The Art Guild of Port Washington, The National Art League, the Lockwood-Mathews Museum, as well as the National Arts Club and Salmagundi Club.
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