Art 101: Painting Pet Portraits

In one evening, this class teaches the most effective tactics in the use of oil painting materials and their application to quickly create a fine-arts oil painting of your favorite pet. Suitable for absolute beginners as well as experienced artists who seek a fresh approach.

This class is a condensation of the best ideas and practices in contemporary oil painting. Students will learn the fastest, best way to get started and to bring an oil painting to completion in one session by painting alla prima (wet-in-wet.) The students will learn the limited Zorn palette and how this can be a foundation for any painting. For this particular exercise, students will bring with them a photograph of dog, cat, goat, parrot, rabbit or other pet as the subject for their work.

Class outline: (3-4 hours)

• 15-minute slideshow of pet paintings for inspiration.
• 15-minute summary of method and materials to be used
• Demonstration of contour drawing to start
• Students do a contour drawing on their panels
• Application of oil to panels (2 hours)

Materials fee: $25 (to be paid to instructor at time of class)

Materials:

• 2 brushes each
• Paint (black, red, yellow ochre, white)
• Prepared birch panels 12 x 12
• Gamsol cleaner
• Rags
• Vinyl gloves
• Posco Marker

Bring to class: a photo of your pet

Ages: 16 and up

Additional info:

Attendees should wear casual clothes. Oil paint can be messy.

Minimum class size: 6

Maximum class size: 12

About the instructor:

Walt Morton is a professional artist, writer, and educator. He has over 30 years of experience as a commercial art director, designer, and creator. Since 2008, he has been developing a program for more effective contemporary oil painting. He has taught classes at USC, Loyola Marymount University, Otis College of Art and Design and the San Francisco Art Institute.

Questions: waltmorton@gmail.com

Cancellation Policy: Attendees must register for classes or request cancellations/refunds 72 hours in advance. (Some classes may require more time.) Eventbrite fees will be charged to the attendee. No walk-ins.