ABOUT THIS WORKSHOP

This exciting workshop will focus on the steps needed to create a portrait with accuracy and luminous color. Highly detailed instruction on structural anatomy, the value of light and shadow as well as a unique approach to truly seeing colour will build the students confidence in all phases of portraiture.

During this 5 day workshop with Rebecca Tait, students can expect

Day 1: Anatomy lesson of head and face structure using a life size fabric skull, with printed out information. {Rebecca teaches this in an entertaining, dynamic way that enhances retention of information!} This will be followed by grisaille studies of the model from different angles focusing on better understanding of their structure.

Day 2: Review anatomy of bones of head and neck. Final grisaille of model. Colour theory lesson and painting demos.

Day 3: Spine anatomy as well as face and neck muscles are reviewed. Basic colour study is started, seeing big colour, value, temperature and shapes first. The benefit of stepping back and adjusting initial decisions will be explained. Canvas will be fully covered in well thought out colour choices.

Day 4: Anatomy of shoulder region, clavicle and sternum are added. Students will be heading from macro towards micro seeing. Sophisticated colour mixing will be explained .

Day 5: Fine details of anatomy are checked . All aspects of value, temperature, colour, chroma, placement, shape and edges are all put through final adjustments. Final critique and individual suggestions for advancement are suggested. The art of the signature and how to support loose canvas are discussed.

Materials PROVIDED

Meet Rebecca

Rebecca Tait was born in Camden New Jersey in 1961. Rebecca’s father, her earliest mentor, was a working artist who began her classical training at the age of seven. Rebecca’s passion for drawing and painting were nurtured under her father’s strict tutelage. She went on to study at the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Art and eventually traveled to France to train with Ted Seth Jacobs at studio L’École Albert Defois.

While Rebecca continued to train with highly accomplished artists, namely Robert Liberace and John DiMartin, it was her father, and later her final mentor Nelson Shanks, who have had the greatest impact.

Rebecca is known for painting highly narrative figurative works in the classical realism style. She demonstrates her sheer passion for visual story telling through precision drawing, rich luminous colour, and dramatically engaging subjects.

Rebecca lives in New Jersey with her husband Anthony. In 1983 she founded The Studio at Glen Gables, where she continues the legacy of teaching classical realism with the discipline and dedication of the old masters.

Rebecca has won numerous honours, including the International Portrait Society’s Award of Excellence, in 2009 and she was an ARC finalist in 2019. Her work can be found in many private collections and continues to be exhibited in galleries and museums throughout the US.