Rob painting a demo at The National Portrait Society. Photo courtesy of Steve SmithUPCOMING WORKSHOPS/EVENTS
ON TEACHING…
Rob is internationally known for his inspiring and informative teaching style. He teaches at The Art League of Virginia and holds workshops throughout the U.S. and abroad. He regularly tours students through the great museums of Europe, garnering from his extensive knowledge of the old European masters and is a visiting instructor at The National Gallery of Art in Washington DC, demonstrating old masters’ techniques. Rob is a distinguished faculty member and on the advisory board of The American Portrait Society. He was asked to pioneer one of their first online teaching courses for American Artist Magazine in 2009 and taught regularly at their “Weekend with the Masters” workshops. Liberace Studio has produced a series of tutorial dvds focusing on the figure, portrait and anatomy, and since Covid he teaches several online classes per year. He has been asked to contribute articles on technique for both American Artist and The Artist’s magazines. Rob has been named a “Modern Master” by the Art Renewal Center and has received the Grand Prize Awards for both the Art Renewal Center annual Salon Show and American Portrait Society’s annual portrait competition.If you are interested in hosting a workshop, please contact Rob or Lina or you can see Rob’s workshop information and fees here.
Updated December 2023
ONLINE CLASS-Painting The Portrait in Oil from Chiaroscuro to Color
Join Rob Liberace’s online workshop where he navigates the spectrum of portrait painting in oils, guiding participants from the depths of chiaroscuro, exploring light and shadow, to the bold, modern embrace of chromatic color. Attendees will examine techniques and sources that will enrich their artistic repertoire such as Caravaggio’s powerful shadows and Sorolla’s vibrant color. This immersive class not only explores the expressive potential of the human face but also delves into the intricate anatomy and form of hands, offering a comprehensive understanding of portraying both facial features and the intricate beauty of hands in portraiture.
The class will consist of six sessions (both classes and critiques) as described below.
CLASSES will be held Fridays (three classes on January 12, January 19, and January 26) from 2 pm To 5 pm US Eastern Standard Time. Participants may watch the class later (streamed for a limited time) in addition to (or instead of) the live class. CRITIQUE SESSIONS will be held on Wednesdays (January 17, January 24, and January 31) from 2 pm to 5 pm US Eastern Standard Time. The artwork of 20 students (see below under prices) will be critiqued, although all participants may observe. MODELS will appear primarily in the form of photo reference. The model reference images will be shown on screen (within Zoom’s rules).
FULL PARTICIPATION in the critique group (limit of 20 students – can ask questions during class and their artwork will be critiqued on Wednesdays). $350
AUDITING (can participate by submitting questions via Zoom chat during the Friday classes and can observe all Wednesday critique sessions) $200
REGISTRATION will open on Wednesday, January 3 at 12 noon, eastern standard time
FALL FRIDAY CLASSES, THE ART LEAGUE OF ALEXANDRIA
DRAWING THE DYNAMIC FIGURE: STYLE, EXPRESSION AND TECHNIQUE (in person)
September 29, October 6, 13, 20, 27, November 3, 2023 (plus one online critique class)
Registration opens August 7th (in-person registration taken before online registrants)
The Art League of Alexandria, VA currently (as of July 13) only has summer teachers/classes listed on their website, so stay tuned for Rob’s classes/workshops. This class examines a variety of drawing techniques used to render the human figure and portrait with an emphasis on clarity, craftsmanship, and expression. Participants will study the form, function, and dynamics of the figure and portrait while exploring the tools and characteristics of materials ranging from red chalk to watercolor. We will follow a systematic approach to understanding anatomy and structure through line and tone. Examples of great masterworks will be used to inspire and instruct while facilitating a more lively and expressive approach to drawing. The class will include six studio classes and one online critique session (date to be determined later).
WINTER FRIDAY CLASSES, THE ART LEAGUE OF ALEXANDRIA
PAINTING THE DYNAMIC FIGURE: STYLE, EXPRESSION AND TECHNIQUE (in person)
February 2, 9, 16, March 1, 8, 15, 2024 (plus one online critique class)
This class examines a variety of classic and modern painting techniques used to render the human figure and portrait with an emphasis on clarity, craftsmanship, and expression. Participants will study the form, function, and dynamics of the figure and portrait while exploring the tools and materials related to classic form painting and alla-prima. We will follow a systematic approach to understanding anatomy through light and color using both limited and highly chromatic palettes with a variety of lighting arrangements. Examples of great masterworks will be used to inspire and instruct while facilitating a more lively and expressive approach to painting. The class will include six studio classes and one online critique session (date to be determined later). Registration to be announce on The Art League website. (in-person registrants taken before online registrants).
WAREHOUSE 521, NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE
THE MODERN PORTRAIT IN FULL COLOR
February 19, 20, 21, 22, 2024
Monday-Thursday 9:30 to 4:30. 19th century artists ignited a revolution in the understanding and use of color which transformed the modern portrait. Sorolla, Mancini, and Zorn, along with many others, inspired a new era of modern art dedicated to developing a heightened awareness of light’s innate beauty. Inspired by this movement, our portrait workshop will examine these innovative color ideas and apply them in our paintings. In addition, we will explore a variety of lighting effects on the models to highlight different aspects of color including temperature and chromatic intensity. We will also look at a variety of paint handling techniques and study approaches to accurately depicting the features. $850 includes model fees. See Warehouse 521 website for more details.
SPRING ART LEAGUE WORKSHOP: The Portrait on Copper
March 22,23,24
This workshop focuses on the rich history and tradition of creating portraits on a copper. Painting on metal, especially copper, was an unusual approach used by some painters in the 17th century including Velasquez, Hals, and Rembrandt. This extraordinary metal surface allowed them to achieve uniquely luminous effects. The workshop would begin with an overview of the history of copper painting and the benefits and challenges of using copper as a painting surface.Participants will learn about the unique characteristics of painting on copper and how to the paint on such a slick and reflective surface. The workshop would also cover different painting techniques, such as glazing and layering, to create depth and luminosity in the portrait. Aspects of the features and costume will also be discussed. Register on The Art League website. (in-person registrants taken before online registrants).
SPRING FRIDAY CLASSES, THE ART LEAGUE OF ALEXANDRIA (in person)
April 12, 19, 26, May 3, 10, 17, 2024 (plus one online critique class)
Class description to come. The class will include six studio classes and one online critique session (date to be determined later). Registration to be announce on The Art League website. (in-person registrants taken before online registrants).
LONDON ENGLAND, Through The Eyes Of The Artist (wait list only)
A sketching and museum tour June 3rd to June 10th contact Margaret Cerutti at margaretc@theartleague.org
OREGON SOCIETY OF ARTISTS, PORTLAND, OREGON (wait list only)
September 6, 7, 8, 2024
PORTRAIT AND FIGURE: DRAWING AND ALLA PRIMA
This class will explore both the organized and elegant manner of classical drawing and the dynamic, fresh approach of contemporary alla prima painting. Though each style has a distinctive character, together they provide the artist with a more complete understanding of artistic technique. The first part of the week will focus on drawing methods with an emphasis on form and light. The later part will concentrate on the spirited technique of alla prima, (“wet into wet” application of paint) which will center on color and paint dynamics. Demonstrations will be given each day which will illustrate each approach.
contact hannah@osartists.org or call 503 228-0706.