Rob and his family were once again asked to participate in the Principle Gallery’s annual Small Works Show in Alexandria, Virginia. While the gallery is not having an official “opening” due to covid-19 it will be open for all to see and promises to be a very impressive show! Either view the complete slideshow online or see the show in person in historic Old Town, Alexandria. Follow the family’s work on Instagram at LiberaceArt.
Rob’s 6×6″ oil on copper painting of Celia with his “sgraffito” and gilt frame.
Rob’s “Rivals,” oil on panel, 9×12″Celia’s “Smile,” oil on panel, 10×10″Lina’s “Spoon on Orange Ribbon,” oil on panel 7×15″
Ava’s “Pelican in Indigo,” blue pencil on paper, 9×12″Ava’s “Joseph in Ultramarine,” pencil ” 8×10″Lina’s “Carrot,” oil on panel, 6×18″
Celia’s figure study, graphite on paper, 5×7″Lina’s “Pear on Blue Ribbon,” 7×16,” oil on panelCelia’s oil study on panel, 9×12″
View of The Principle Gallery on beautiful King Street near the water in Old Town, Alexandria, Virginia (as seen last week while they were putting up the show).
Thanks to all who participated in figure/portrait Demo on Thursday, August 27th! It was a great way to raise money for The Portrait Society’s Ed Jonas Memorial Fund and what a great experiment having artists from around the world contribute. While we didn’t break the Guinness world record for the largest zoom class, we did have quite a crowd – around 1400 participants!
MODEL PHOTOS Our model, Celia, was a big hit and some participants requested photo references to continue drawing and painting her in her beautiful Pre-Raphaelite style outfit. Rob has provided a series of high-res images for those interested (see thumbnails below) for a model fee of $10. The link is https://robertliberace.com/celia-psa-photo-reference
PARTICIPATE IN THE ONLINE GALLERY! For those who would like to participate in an online”exhibition” featuring work from the demo or from photos of the model, we’ve set up a Google Photo Gallery. The link is https://photos.app.goo.gl/vQ5srrJr1NjpsQen6 Once you have a Google account it’s easy to submit your work. Click the link and on the page that opens, click on the “Add photo” icon to the right of the shopping cart. It will bring up another page. Click on “select from computer” in the upper right. That will let you choose your work from your files. That’s it! We’ll leave this image gallery up for at least a month or two. Thank you and have fun and thanks again for all who participated!
Thanks to all who participated in the figure/portrait Demo on Thursday, August 27th! It was a great way to raise money for The Portrait Society’s Ed Jonas Memorial Fund. While we didn’t break the Guinness world record for the largest zoom class, we did have quite a crowd – around 1400 participants!
MODEL PHOTOS Our model, Celia, was a big hit and some participants requested photo references to continue drawing and painting her in her beautiful Pre-Raphaelite style outfit. Rob has provided a series of high-res images for those interested (see thumbnails below) for a model fee of $10. The link is https://robertliberace.com/celia-psa-photo-reference.
PARTICIPATE IN THE ONLINE GALLERY! For those who would like to participate in an online”exhibition” featuring work from the demo or from photos of the model, we’ve set up a Google Photo Gallery. The link is https://photos.app.goo.gl/vQ5srrJr1NjpsQen6 Once you have a Google account it’s easy to submit your work. Click the link and on the page that opens, click on the “Add photo” icon to the right of the shopping cart. It will bring up another page. Click on “select from computer” in the upper right. That will let you choose your work from your files. That’s it! We’ll leave this image gallery up for at least a month or two. Thank you and have fun and thanks again for all who participated!
Of all the drawing techniques available to artists, silverpoint and ink are perhaps the most graceful and elegant. These illustrious techniques were the first to be studied by the great masters such as Da Vinci and Dürer and their works demonstrate the unparalleled power and nobility of the media. In this video, Rob will explore this ancient craft by using specially prepared paper, silver stylus tools, and various ink types to show off the graphic beauty of silverpoint and ink with distinctive methods of modeling such as hatching, crosshatching, and linear glazing.
(Also several more DVDs are available as High-Definition downloads now.)
Rob has upcoming workshops in Scottsdale, Duluth, Atlanta, Orlando, Nashville, Bruges, Whidbey Island, Washington State, and Rochester! Here’s the rundown…
Scottsdale Artists’ School, Scottsdale (a suburb of Pheonix), Arizona PORTRAIT AND FIGURE: DRAWING AND ALLA PRIMA February 10-14, 2020 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. Drawing and Oil/ Intermediate to Advanced. $865 + $60 model fee/ 5 days. For more information visit their website.
Great Lakes Academy, Duluth, Minnesota (artist Jeffrey Larson’s Atelier) THE CLASSICAL FIGURE, A MODERN APPROACH TO DRAWING March 19-21, 2020 The old masters created extraordinary drawings using a range of natural substances from earth minerals to squid ink. This class will explore the complex and dynamic tradition of master drawing using modern materials to emulate the rich character of master drawing in order to create contemporary renderings infused with a classical art spirit. The forms of the human figure, aspects of light and shadow and the abstract dynamics of line and gesture will be studied and employed. For more information, visit The Great Lakes Academy of Fine Art website.
The Art League of Virginia, Alexandria, Virginia March 27, 28, 29, 2020, 10 am to 4 pm THE DYNAMIC OIL SKETCH: A STUDY IN SARGENT’S PORTRAIT APPROACH John Singer Sargent’s masterful bravura technique of capturing the oil portrait is the inspiration for this class. Students will work in the “premier coup” approach that Sargent masters during his time at Carolus Duran’s Paris studio. Each day features a different pose and demonstrations are given, showing how to efficiently capture complex detail in a short time. Tuition $355, Model fees are extra. For more information, call The Art League at 703-683-2323. or go to The Art League Website.
The Portrait Society of America’s 22nd annual ART OF THE PORTRAIT CONFERENCE held at the Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista Hotel, Orlando, Florida April 16-19, 2020 Rob will be teaching a pre-conference drawing workshop “The Eye and Hand Connection” on Thursday, April 16 from 9 am to 4 pm. He will also be doing a demo on Saturday, April 18 from 2:30 to 4:45 pm along with artist Adrienne Stein called “See the parts, See the Whole.” See the full conference schedule.
The Portrait Society of Atlanta, Atlanta, Georgia May 11-15, 2020, 10 am to 4 pm This class will comprehensively study all aspects of the portrait from the detailed description of light and shadow with a limited palette to full-color depictions of the features and costumed form. Exercises designed to efficiently describe form and color related to the face and fabric will be demonstrated and the facial anatomy will be thoroughly explored. Various approaches from loose Alla-prima painting to controlled modeling will be featured. Check their website for more information.
Warehouse 521, Nashville, Tennessee VELAZQUEZ TO SOROLLA: EXPLORING THE SPANISH CLASSICAL TRADITION July 9-12, 2020 Explore the great Spanish artists of the past: their unique and dynamic approach to painting and their influence on modern painting. Study distinguished masters such as Velazquez and Fortuny for their special manner of handling paint, examine and practice Sorolla’s distinctive color approach. From genuine period pigments to bold modern colors, students learn the different characteristics and attributes of each artist’s palette. This workshop includes the study of the portrait and figures both costumed and nude. For more information visit the Warehouse 521 website.
The Flemish Atelier, Bruges Belgium July 27 to August 7, 2020, 9 am to 4 pm with lunch at noon THE GOLDEN AGE OF FLEMISH AND DUTCH ART: DYNAMIC DRAWING AND PAINTING IN THE MANNER OF RUBENS AND HALS Inspired by the exuberant manner of Peter Paul Rubens and Frans Hals, this class will study the materials, methods, and style from two of the greatest 17th-century masters. The first week will feature Ruben’s Troi-crayon technique (using black, red and white) along with his distinctive chromatic use of oils with a particular focus on the figure and anatomy. The second week will emphasize portraiture in oils with a strong influence of Hals’ painterly style and “premier coup“ approach. Models will be posing each day both figure and costume work. The workshop will also involve a trip to study first hand the work of Rubens in his own house and studio in Antwerp along with an excursion to the Royal Museum of Fine Arts (If it is open at this time) to examine both Rubens and Hals masterworks. For information, please visit The Flemish Atelier website.
Whidbey Island Fine Arts, Whidbey, Washington (an hour or so north of Seattle) August 21, 22, 23,24, 2020 COLORE: GREAT TRADITIONS EXPLORED This class explores the “painterly” approach in the manner of 16th Venetian painting and drawing. This idea is represented best by North Italian Renaissance artists such as Titian and Veronese and influenced painters from Velasquez to Sargent. The “colorito” approach involves more mass-oriented drawing materials such as charcoal, pastels and ink wash, and the painting method stresses the broad application of paint with an emphasis on color resulting in pictures with an atmospheric subtlety. The first two days will concentrate on drawing using the traditional mediums of ink wash and charcoals. Day three and four will be focused on painting both the portrait and figure. Info and materials list can be found on their website.
The Rochester Arts Club, Rochester, New York FRANS HALS: BIRTH OF THE PAINTERLY PORTRAIT October 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 2020 Frans Hals was the first portrait painter to merge rigorous naturalism with effortless and economical virtuosity. His sublime approach signaled the beginning of alla prima painting and influenced some of the greatest painters of the nineteenth century such as Zorn, Sorolla, and Sargent. This class will explore the methods and materials of this great Dutch master and apply them in the studio by creating portraits inspired by his impeccable grace and fluidity. Go to their website for more info.
Above: Two of Rob’s charcoal portraits inspired by John Singer Sargent. 60 Sargent charcoaldrawings will be on exhibit at The Morgan Library and Museum for the show “John Singer Sargent: Portraits in Charcoal” only through January 12, 2020.
For anyone in the DC/VA/MD area interested in seeing the John Singer Sargent charcoal show in NYC, and also visiting the Hispanic Society for the recently reopened “Joaquin Sorolla’s Visions of Spain” exhibit, there are seats available on a bus arranged by The Art League. Rob will be leading the group. (No need to be an Art League member).
The trip is in two days, Tuesday, January 7th, and reservations will be taken until 5pm tomorrow. The bus is door to door and is a motorcoach with a restroom. $159 for the day all-inclusive (includes tickets to both events). See more information and sign up here!
Rob and his family were graciously asked to participate in The Principle Gallery’s Small Works Show in Alexandria, Virginia. Rob painted several using the girls as models. Celia and Ava did some amazing little studies. At 16, Ava may well be the youngest ever to show at the gallery! Lina did several paintings and a series of shoes with mice. Follow LiberaceArt on Instagram to see work from the family, or for info on Rob’s classes and work, The Robert Liberace group on facebook.
Lina’s “Wild Hare” and frame to matchRob’s “The Bath of Venus”Another from Celia’s sketchbook
One of the two exquisite little drawings from Celia for the show. Both are from her sketchbookRob’s “Mocha” style painting of AvaA very cool ink drawing from AvaLina’s paperclay shoes
A “Mucha” style painting from RobAnd a lovely little drawing by Ava from her sketchbookLina’s butterfly painting
It is always fun to see what comes out of Rob’s studio. This weekend he finished two small pieces for the Small Works show, opening at The Principle Gallery in Alexandria, Virginia this Saturday, December 1st. http://www.principlegallery.com/alexandria
“Menippus”, inspired by the famous Velasquez painting of the ancient satirical philosopher at the Prado. oil on canvas, 8″x10″
Surprised Satyr, a classic “capriccio” study inspired by Bellini’s mythological paintings. oil on panel, 11″x14″
Rob just finished a portrait of Dr. Robert Cates, a critical care specialist and chairman of the emergency room at INOVA Fairfax Hospital in Fairfax, Virginia. The unveiling of the portrait, as well as the one Rob earlier painted of Dr. Thomas Wise, was unveiled yesterday at Fairfax Inova Hospital. Dr. Cates has such a jovial personality, that Rob decided to give his portrait a bit of the “Frans Hals” treatment.
It is kind of fun that the portraits will hang in the same hospital where both our daughters were born!
In the 2018 Art Renewal Center Salon, Rob was honored to win the Collections Magazine Award. Editor Hongbin Zhang from the publication interviewed Rob and wrote an article which features his work. Rob is not sure where the “Realism is like eating” headline came from but maybe someone can translate it for him! It is certainly a beautiful magazine and he is happy to be a part of it!
Over the last decade model/artist Desi Steward has been a source of great inspiration to so many artists including Rob. Desi has recently been diagnosed with cancer which was a tremendous shock especially considering how young and physically fit he is. Finding and paying for appropriate treatment is especially difficult for most models because health care plans are not offered by the schools and institutions that depend on their hard work. Fellow model Gazelle Powers has created a donation site that can receive contributions to help Desi with his treatment. Donations can be made at https://chuffed.org/project/local-artists-muse
Fellow artist and Art League instructor Susan O’Neil has set up an art auction site that allows participants to bid on artwork www.32auctions.com/ArtAuctionForDesi. All proceeds go directly to Desi’s treatments. During the September “The Spanish Tradition from Velazquez to Sorolla” workshop at The Art League, Rob auctioned his demonstrations which went directly to Desi’s treatment fund set up by Gazelle. The artwork generated almost $10,000. Rob wishes to thank all those who participated in the event which highlighted the generosity of The Art League community and the devotion to our friend Desi.
Several of Rob’s earlier paintings of Desi: left, oil on panel and right, oil on copper. Below, one of the demos auctioned off at the workshop.
