Studio Class
ABOUT THIS CLASS:
Step past literal representation and enter the dramatic, atmospheric world of historical chiaroscuro through the immediate practice of direct painting in full color. This master-level course is designed for experienced painters seeking to command high contrast, sophisticated color temperature, and deliberate paint quality right from the first brushstroke. Working from complex, live still-life arrangements under a single, sharp light source, we focus deeply on analyzing form into architectural planes and orchestrating structural values directly in color. Students will push their palettes to the limit, learning how to establish a powerful light key, orchestrate a convincing flow of light across the canvas, master wet-into-wet edge transitions, and infuse deep shadows with immediate, transparent, and luminous life.
The skills taught are as follows:
- Direct Color Synthesis (Alla Prima Execution): The ability to bypass monochromatic underpaintings and accurately mix and apply hue, value, and temperature simultaneously right from the first brushstroke.
- Planar Visualization of Form: Training the eye to look past literal details and analyze complex subjects into distinct architectural, structural planes of light and shadow.
Orchestration of a Powerful Light Key: The skill to establish a deliberate, structural relationship between the highest light and the deepest dark to create a convincing flow of light across the canvas. - Abstract Shadow Design: The ability to move past individual objects and weave separate dark values into a single, cohesive, and continuous dark network that holds the composition together.
- Wet-into-Wet Edge Control (Sfumato): Mastery of responsive brushwork to deliberately “lose” object edges into the background atmosphere, creating spatial mystery and depth.
- Sophisticated Color Temperature Control: The capacity to manipulate subtle, relative temperature shifts and manage ambient, reflected light to keep deep shadow zones luminous and filled with air.
- Manipulation of Tangible Presence: The skill to contrast expressive surface textures—balancing thin, transparent, luminous dark passages with thick, juicy opaque highlights to replicate physical textures.
- Commanding the Viewer’s Eye: The tactical placement of edge definitions, values, and focal accents to deliberately guide and rest the viewer’s gaze.
Prerequisite required. Students must have completed Introduction to Chiaroscuro: Still Life Oil Painting from Life and be an intermediate or advanced oil painting artist. Ages 16+
Tuesdays, September 15, 22, 29, and October 6, 2026
1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Studio 2
$172 for four consecutive classes
SUPPLY LIST
INSTRUCTOR BIO & SCHEDULE
Next Session:
Tuesdays, October 13, 20, 27, and November 3, 2026
1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Studio 2
Important Details for Students:
- To learn more about Registration, Cancellation Policy, Approved Solvents, and other important details CLICK HERE.
- A non-refundable Registration Fee is required for first-time enrolling students. CLICK HERE
- Visit your Student Dashboard for access to your account and materials such as supply lists & school map, CLICK HERE.
- Those with special needs and/or requests may email the Registrar at registrar@woodstockschoolofart.org.
