Life Painting

Tutor: Gianluca Rotelli | Tuesdays 6:30–9pm | 6 weeks

Students will develop their skills in painting from the live model through the study of human proportions, form, and anatomy.

Working directly from observation, the course will focus on understanding the structure of the body and the organisation of light and shadow across three-dimensional forms.
Both short and long poses will be used throughout the course, helping students develop a better understanding of anatomy, gesture, structure, and form.

Traditional oil painting techniques will be introduced, including colour mixing, a limited palette, and the study of light and shadow.

The course is open to all levels. Individual guidance will help each student develop their skills and confidence while painting from life.

Students are required to bring their own materials and should refer to the materials list below before their course starts. #TU39

Featured Painting by Gianluca Rotelli

Course Information

Life Painting

We provide easels and drawing boards for use during the course. There is also a small art shop on-site, selling a range of supplies including paper, charcoal, and pencils for drawing, as well as brushes, paints, and canvases for painting. Your tutor will be happy to advise you on suitable materials.
Please bring these materials with you when you start the course:

Brushes and Equipment

· N4 to N12 Cornellissen Series 44 Hog Bristle Filbert
· N4 to N12 Rosemary Classic Filberts
· N1 to N6 Rosemary Evergreen Acrylic
· Two round synthetic watercolour brushes, size 01
· Wooden palette approx. 25 x 35 cm
· Painting knife size 1 to 3
· Dipper – double dipper ideally
· Jam jar
· A roll of paper kitchen towel or similar

Painting Medium

· Linseed Oil
· Walnut Oil
Optional and we can discuss the merits of using painting mediums later on. The fundamental medium is Linseed Oil.

Oil Paints

· Titanium White (Michael Harding)
· Yellow Ochre (Michael Harding)
· Cadmium Red Light (Mussini)
· Ultramarine Blue (Michael Harding)
· Raw Umber (Mussini)
· Alizarin Red (Michael Harding)
· Ivory Black (Michael Harding)

Affordable alternative brands are also available for these colours, such as Roberson Oil Colours, which can be purchased from the school shop.

Drawing Materials

· Artist Sketchbook (A4)
· Drawing Pencils (3H to 4B)
· General Charcoal Pencil (HB to 4B)
· Grey Putty Rubber
· Masking Tape
· Proportional Divider (Artist Drawing Tool)

Please only bring low odour thinners with you or buy them from the school shop. For health and safety reasons we do not allow the use of white spirit or turpentine at Heatherleys.

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