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 October 2024
INFO FOR THE AUGUST 2025 ENGLAND WORKSHOP PAGE
December 6-8, 2024
The Art League of Alexandria, Virginia
From Grisaille to Color: The Glazed Portrait Explored
Since the early Renaissance the oil glaze approach has been at the center of the painters approach. This workshop will feature the intricate process of creating a finished portrait using thin veils of translucent color. Beginning with a monochromatic underpainting as the foundation participants will then explore the application of thin veils of color to achieve depth and luminosity in their work. Special emphasis will be placed on rendering features and fabric with precision and sensitivity, capturing the essence and character of the subject. Go to The Art League’s website for more info.
January 10 – 29th, 2025
ONLINE ZOOM CLASS
Precious Metals: Drawing and Painting with Silver, Gold, and Copper
For centuries, artists like Leonardo da Vinci and Rembrandt have explored the luminous beauty of silver, gold, and copper to create works of extraordinary refinement. In this three-day online workshop, participants will delve into the unique properties of these metals while drawing and painting the portrait and figure.
The first day will focus on the delicate art of silverpoint drawing, inspired by the exquisite techniques of Italian Renaissance masters such as Leonardo da Vinci. Discover how the fine, shimmering lines of silverpoint can bring unparalleled elegance to your work.
The final two days will embrace the Baroque tradition of painting on copper, taking cues from Rembrandt’s captivating use of gilded surfaces. Explore how the radiant, reflective qualities of copper enhance depth and luminosity, creating paintings with remarkable vibrancy and warmth.
The class will consist of six sessions (both classes and critiques) as described below.
CLASSES will be held Fridays (three classes on January 10, January 17, and January 24) from 2 pm To 5 pm US Eastern 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 15, January 22, and January 29) from 2 pm to 5 pm US Eastern 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).
Supply list can be found here
REGISTRATION WILL OPEN FRIDAY, January 3rd at 12 noon, U.S. eastern time
CRITIQUE $350
AUDIT $200
March 14-16, 2025
The Art League of Alexandria, Virginia
Tradition and Transformation Part 1: Exploring the atelier system in 19th century France with Celia Liberace and Rob Liberace
This workshop is taught in conjunction with Rob’s workshop the following week (see below). Workshops can be taken separately or a whole.
Drawing from her experience at Ecole des Beaux-Arts in Paris, Celia Liberace will guide participants through the timeless principles and techniques that have influenced countless artists over generations. The instruction delves into the convergence of academic fundamentals from Ecole de Beaux-Arts, such as classical draftsmanship, anatomy, and composition, with Celia’s unique approach to freeing, guiding, and harmonizing both mind and hand. As students learn to navigate and interpret form, they will honor the subject’s energetic essence while also considering formal harmony and compositional flow. Go to The Art League’s website for more info.
April 21-25, 2025
Scottsdale, Arizona
Portrait and Figure: Drawing and Alla Prima April 21-25
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 latter 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. Go to the Scottsdale Artists’ School website for details.
March 21-23, 2025
The Art League of Alexandria, Virginia
Tradition and Transformation Part 2: Exploring the atelier system in 19th century France with Celia Liberace and Rob Liberace
In the second of a two part series Rob Liberace will lead a class inspired by the avant-garde teachings of Carolus-Duran’s esteemed atelier in Paris. Participants will delve into the fundamental principles and techniques that defined this influential artistic movement including bold brushwork, expressive realism, and “premier coup” approach and use these ideas to help create figure and portrait painting. Go to The Art League’s website for more info.
May 8-11, 2025
Portrait Society
Hyatt Regency, Reston, Virginia
The Art of the Portrait annual Conference, 27th Anniversary
https://www.portraitsociety.org/events
August 4-15, 2025 (ten day workshop)
Essex, England’s beautiful Dedham, Vale
Please go to The England 2025 workshop page.
October 2025
Putney Barn, Brattleboro, Vermont
Info to Come