Figure Painting

PORTRAIT : SPECTATORSHIP, THE GAZE AND THE ACT OF LOOKING

This first project of the semester introduces the foundational concepts and approaches that will guide the course. Building upon the technical skills acquired in Figure Drawing and Painting 2, this project invites students to refine their ability to paint portraits through both direct observation and an iterative conceptual process. By focusing on the interplay between spectatorship and the gaze, students will explore how portraiture extends beyond representation to express complex cultural and narrative ideas. This exercise emphasizes the duality of technical mastery and conceptual depth, encouraging students to reflect on their intentions as creators and the dynamic relationship between viewer and subject.

Throughout the project, students will refine their understanding of proportional and structural forms of the face, reinforce their grasp of color theory, and practice constructing paintings with sound techniques. Through weekly studies from life, ideation processes, and personal research, students will develop a final portrait that not only captures the likeness of the subject but also communicates a broader conceptual narrative. The use of lighting—either in a controlled studio setting or natural environmental light—will be central to exploring form and mood, while color harmony and chromatic nuance will be emphasized to create a dynamic and cohesive composition.

Feature 2

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Feature 3

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