Self Portraiture in Alla Prima with Phoebe Stewart Carter

Course Description

In this course students will learn how to paint a self portrait in oils entirely from life observation. Using a mirror and the ‘alla prima’ technique ,  Phoebe Stewart Carter will guide the students while they paint their own likeness in oils.

This course is suitable for beginner to experienced levels. Some basic drawing and painting experience will be required. Beginners will paint with a more limited palette, while more experienced painters are welcome to introduce a broader spectrum of colours to their palette.


Course Plan

Day 1: Introduction to the course and history of self portraiture, followed by a demonstration on using the mirror and mixing a palette for all prima portraiture. Students will work on compositional studies in charcoal and oil and receive individual tutorship throughout the day.

Day 2: Demonstration explaining how to begin and pace an alla prima portrait. Students will begin their self portraits and receive individual tutorship throughout the day.

Materials Required

Supports:

Paper - one large sheet or several A5-A4 sized sheets for charcoal studies.

Small Canvas or Panel for a colour study - roughly A5 size.

Canvas or Panel primed for oil painting for main self portrait - roughly 40×30cm

Mediums:

-Vine Charcoal

-Linseed Oil 

-Turpentine

-Oil Paints:

  • White - Lead White or Titanium 

  • Naples Yellow (optional)

  • Yellow Ochre 

  • Cadmium Red or non-toxic Pyrolle Red 

  • English Red or Indian Red 

  • Transparent Red Oxide (optional)

  • Cobalt Blue

  • Viridian Green (optional)

  • Ivory Black

  • Raw Umber or Burnt Umber

Equipment:

- Palette

- Palette Knife

- Medium cups

- Paper towel or paint rag

- Handheld Mirror

-Brushes: Recommended: Having a mix of hair types is useful for all prima - Hog-Hair bristles, Sables, synthetics.