Variation: Download, high definition

GRISAILLE “THE PAINTED SKETCH”
Follow along as Rob creates a figure drawing with oils on paper using a monochrome palette of primarily brown and white. Also known as “grisaille,” this method allows artists to focus on value relationships without the addition of color. Though commonly used as an underpainting for color, Rob uses the technique to create a finished work of art as he details materials, paint application, and finishing. All aspects of the work including materials, selecting a pose, basic organization, and finishing are described and demonstrated. Video excerpts can be found by clicking on link above. Model photos link can be found through link above.

ANATOMY: THE TORSO
Anatomical knowledge has inspired and guided artists for centuries. From DaVinci’s sublime studies to Michelangelo’s muscular creations, the study of anatomy led to extraordinary achievements in the history of art. In this video, Robert Liberace explores this tradition by examining the fundamental anatomical forms which shape the lights and shadows of the body’s surface. Working from a live model, each significant form-creating muscle of the torso is described and rendered from origin to insertion with a modified three-color chalk technique which highlights the muscle character, direction, and the bony connections. The video also includes a chapter gallery which includes detailed reference diagrams drawn by Rob. Each diagram, based on the pose of the original drawing, features highlighted origins, insertions and actions of each individual muscle along with diagrams of the muscles themselves. Photos of the model can be downloaded online (see back of DVD case or above). Video excerpts can be seen on “The Quick Draw Video Excerpt” link above. Running time 2 hours, 48 minutes.

THE PORTRAIT IN THREE COLOR CHALK
(DVD SOLD OUT – ONLY AVAILABLE AS A DOWNLOAD AT THE MOMENT)
The classic technique of three chalk or “trois crayon” is one of the most elegant and efficient methods of rendering the portrait. It involves the manipulation of red, black and white to suggest the warmth and richness of flesh hues. It is not only a visually compelling technique, but also a means to connect with some of the great artists who used this approach, such as Rubens, Watteau, and Holbein. In this DVD, you will learn from one of America’s foremost artists and teachers, known for his inspiring and informative teaching style, as he takes you through the entire process of creating an original drawing while explaining everything from the selection of materials to his techniques to final touches. Special features include paper preparation, art gallery, and video previews from the five demos in this series. Photos of the model can be found from the link above. Also, excerpts are on the “The Quick Draw” video excerpts link above (scroll to right).  Total running time, 2 hours, 20 minutes.

THE FIGURE IN MOTION
Classical figure drawing radiates with energy giving us the sense of the body’s full range of strength, movement and vitality. This dynamic approach infuses artwork with a kinetic excitement that is the hallmark of classical drawing. This video explores the tradition of energetic figure drawing by following the development of one of Rob’s drawings from selecting, arranging and maintaining the pose, to the final accents. Photos of the pose can be found from the link at top. Also, excerpts can be found with the “The Quick Draw” video excerpts link above (scroll to right). Total running time, 2 hours, 54 minutes.

THE ALLA PRIMA PORTRAIT
The Alla Prima technique, an expressively direct manner of painting, is the “wet into wet” application of paint popularized by the impressionists. This method, also called “premier coup”, often requires that the painting is completed in one sitting. No other technique demonstrates the beauty and energy of the brush stroke better than this fresh and painterly style. Artists from Hals to Sorolla employed this bravura technique with dynamic virtuosity achieving dazzling results. In this DVD Rob demonstrates Alla Prima as he paints a portrait of his artist/filmmaker friend Adam Lubkin. He describes the surface and underlying forms of the face and discusses the rich array of colors and the various materials used while rendering the portrait in a spirited and efficient manner. Included is a chapter on materials. The model’s pose can be found from the link at the top and video excerpts are shown from the link above. The total running time is 2 hours and 58 minutes.

ANATOMY: THE ARM AND HAND
Anatomical knowledge has inspired and guided artists for centuries. From DaVinci’s sublime studies to Michelangelo’s muscular creations, the study of anatomy led to extraordinary achievements in the history of art. In this DVD Robert Liberace explores this tradition by examining the fundamental anatomical forms which shape the lights and shadows of the body’s surface. Working from a live model, each significant form-creating muscle of the arm and hand is described and rendered from origin to insertion with a modified three-color chalk technique which highlights the muscle character, direction, and the bony connections. The video includes detailed reference diagrams based on the pose of the original drawing which featuring highlighted origins and insertions. The complete group of anatomical diagrams and photos of the model in position can be downloaded from the link on the back of the DVD cover or at the top of the page. Included is a chapter on materials. View excerpts from the above video links. Running time 2 hours, 45 minutes.

THE PORTRAIT SKETCH IN TERRA COTTA
In this two-disc set, you will follow the development of a terra cotta portrait bust over the course of two days. Subjects such as materials, massing, finishing and sculpture’s relevance to painting and drawing will be covered thoroughly. The experience of working in three dimensions is very helpful in sharpening an artist’s comprehension of planes as well as muscle and bone formations. This deeper understanding is extremely useful in directing both brush strokes in painting and linear cross-hatching in drawing, resulting in a fully dimensional effect. Terra-Cotta’s beauty and ease of handling are difficult to surpass. From China’s third century BC life-size warriors to Rodin’s powerfully realistic portraits, terra-cotta has been used throughout the ages. Even great painters such as Degas and Zorn explored the creative potential of clay sculpture. Model pose can be found from a link on the back of the DVD cover or the link at the top of the dvd page. For video excerpts, click on video link above. Total running time, 4 hours, 13 minutes

THE FIGURE SKETCH IN OIL
In this dvd, Rob uses a full color palette to explore the figure in oil. So get a front row seat and follow along as he begins with a simple monochrome sketch of the figure which is then blocked in, shaped, and detailed in a single sitting. Important features of the painting process are explored – from a dynamic underpainting to controlled anatomical modeling. Photos of the model can be downloaded from a link provided. Special features include a section on materials plus video previews from the other available dvds. See excerpts of this dvd with the “Painted Sketches Video Excerpts” link above. Total running time is 3 hours and 33 minutes.

RED CHALK, WORKING LARGE
Natural red chalk’s warmth and beauty have been a favorite tool of artists since the Renaissance. It is most often associated with drawings on an intimate scale as artists exploited its delicate effects. But modern pastels and Conte crayons allow artists to easily enlarge the scope of their designs offering an opportunity to create a monumental statement and a more physical artistic application. Follow along with Rob as he renders a large scale red chalk drawing from a live model while discussing materials, methods, tools, and technique during this two hour DVD. Model poses can be found through link at top of page and video excerpts can be found from the video links above.