Have you ever wanted to know how the old masters painted? Well here at Paint a portrait we will show you the fundamental techniques that will lay the foundations to your artistic career. Showing you tried and tested tips and tricks to improve the way you paint and draw. These skills have been passed down through the centuries and form the basis for most of the worlds finest academies. Louis Smith is a Classically trained artist. He trained in Florence Italy for 4years. Learning traditional drawing and painting methods. He has been accepted by the Royal Society of Portrait Artists and National Portrait Gallery annual competition.
Take a look at the course blog>>>
Portrait Painting Course Manchester 3rd September 2011
Location: Phoenix House, Ellesmere st, Manchester M154JY
PARKING AT REAR
Description: Portrait Lessons with Louis Smith
The Curriculum: Six week course in portrait painting.
1st week
Lighting: looking at types of portrait lighting and posing the subject.
2nd week
Measuring: looking at placement, comparative measuring, proportion, perspective of the face and line weight.
3rd week
Silhouette stage: describing shadow shapes, grouping of the darks, negative and positive space.
4th week
1st Painting: filling local colours, darkest dark, lightest light, big form modeling, turning the form, use of impasto and glaze.
5th week
2nd painting: rendering the painting with glazes (couche).
6th week
Finishing
Cost of Course 6 weeks tuition = £ 180
Tel: 0871 200 2233 (7am to 8pm, Monday to Friday, and 8am to 8pm at weekends & bank)
Click here for directions >>
My experience on the painting course was fantastic and enjoyable. It was the best introduction to portrait painting I have ever had. The teaching demonstations by Louis really put the art of portrait painting into perspective. Thank you again Louis.
Nadine
Hi Louis, I was going to email you to say thanks for the course, but thought posting this to your site might benefit anyone else who’s thinking about art tuition:
It’s rare to find someone with this level of technical expertise who is also teaching, in fact it’s virtually non-existent in the Greater Manchester area (having spent a long time searching). The BP Portrait Award short listing is more than justified, as is the cost of this course. The curriculum itself is valuable but, for me, the ad hoc hints and tips, and being able to get questions answered there and then, by a real expert, was possibly even more useful.
I have worked as a graphic artist for a few years and know there is no magic formula for becoming ‘an old master’ overnight, but the principles taught here are tried and tested, are a firm foundation and can be applied beyond portraits.
I can testify that my work has progressed with this course and would recommend it to others.
Thanks Louis!
I think Robs message summarises my thoughts exactly. I am overwhelmed to find an artist of your ability, in the North West, who is willing to give up their time so generously.
Your knowledge, demonstrations and one to one advice have been greatly received.
Should you choose to run any further courses/demonstrations etc; count me in.
Thankyou Louis for your time (and patience)
For anybody reading this and considering taking Louis’ course, I’d like to confirm everything that the others above have said. Excellent course; very informative and definitely brings improvement. I’m sure that, for anyone wanting to seriously improve their painting (for all subjects painted from direct observation, not just for portraits), there is no course on offer anywhere in the region, and possibly anywhere in the UK (I’ve been looking for a long time) that will be so beneficial, so quickly.
Unlike most art teachers that I’ve come across, Louis does actually have the skills to practice what he’s teaching to a very high level of competence.
I really enjoyed learning how to paint portraits from a true master. Seeing the breathtaking portraits that hang currently in Louis’s studio was inspiring enough, his portraits have such warmth and life and the vibrancy and use of colour is outstanding. The course itself was in depth and challenging – but equally enlightening and rewarding. I really enjoyed it. Thanks Louis for six weeks of fabulous in depth tuition which I would happily recommend, anyone who has ever been interested in painting portraits – this course is the best.
After years of searching, after moving to Manchester I was lucky when I saw Paintaportrait was within walking distance from my flat.
It is rare to find someone with such skill who chooses to teach and pass on their techniques. I found the course extremely valuable as I now appreciate the time, talent and hard work involved in producing a portrait from start to finish.
It’s quite dangerous – as the six weeks of tuition have reinforced my dream to be able to paint well, so if I quit the day job and move to a warm European country with an easel and paints… there is only one person to thank…
Honestly, much recommended.
Andy
Not only is Louis a very talented artist, he is also a very patient teacher. I found the portrait course extremely informative and challenging.