DAVID SHEVLINO
Alla Prima Figure Painting
Wausau Museum of Contemporary Art
November 4 – 7, 2019
9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. with a lunch break
This class is about painting the figure alla prima, (wet into wet), and the techniques used to create a fresh, direct response to our subjects. On the first morning there will be a demonstration, then the class will paint from the model. Students will learn to look at the nude figure and see it in terms of large, overall basic shapes. Working on a toned ground, we’ll start by sketching and placing the subject on the canvas. Then we block in two simple values: light and dark tone. After that we begin adding mid tones. By learning to simplify form, values and color, we begin to interpret and break down the figure into more understandable tones and shapes instead of becoming distracted by details. This helps us to paint our subjects with greater clarity and directness. This class will be particularly helpful to students who wish to paint more loosely and to paint their subject with greater economy.