Class Size Limit: 10

Fee:  $375 members

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“The best portraits both capture the essence of the subject, and

infuse the painting with the spirit of their life.”

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SIGN UP:

Contact LindaMaryMasten@gmail.com ​

Please send your check within two weeks to

Monument Art & Cultural Center, 44 Gypsy Lane, Bennington, VT 05201

Non-Refundable Fee after May 1, 2025

 

​CLASS DESCRIPTION:

This class is for those passionate about capturing the essence of their subject. Through careful observation of source material, we will focus on conveying character, storytelling, and the spirit of the subject. You’ll explore key compositional elements for creating dynamic paintings, while also examining the structure and form of the head. Techniques for mixing colors to achieve nuanced skin tones will be taught, along with how atmosphere and background contribute to the overall portrait. Whether you are a professional, student, or beginner, individual guidance will be provided at every stage. Each artist will receive personalized attention to help reach their unique goals. While oil painting is the primary medium, participants are welcome to work in drawing, pastels, or acrylics.

 

Be ready to work hard, make new friends, and most importantly – have fun!

 

SUPPLY LIST:

Bring a few photo references to use for your portrait painting. I will also supply a few reference

photos to choose from if you do not have photos of your own.

 

Paint or Pastel

• White (Titanium)

• Cadmium Yellow

• Yellow Ochra

• Raw Sienna

• Cadmium Red

• Transparent red oxide or Burnt Sienna

• Alizarin Crimson

• French Ultramarine Blue

• Raw Umber

• Ivory Black

• Extra colors: (not required, but useful) Sap Green, Dioxazine Purple and Cerulean blue

 

Brushes - Any brushes are fine to use. Some of my favorites are:

• Bristle Hair: Sizes #2, #3, #4, #6 – Filbert

• Fan Brush Bristle Hair

• Sable Hair – Kolinski sable round (small brush for details)

 

Canvas

• Any size is welcome

• Plan to bring 1 or 2 canvases

• Tone canvases before class so the canvas is not white. A medium tone is helpful.

• Paint  – canvas can be toned with acrylic paint the day before or if you want to use oil paint it must be toned one week before painting.

• Pastel – paper is usually already toned.

• Acrylic – can be toned the day before.

 

Additional materials:

• Tracing paper

• Gamsol or any odorless mineral spirits (NO Turpentine or Natural Turpinoid!)

• Medium linseed oil

• Palette

• Palette knife

• Palette cups

• Rags or paper towels

 

Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.

 

ABOUT THE ARTIST:

Laurel Boeck is a classically trained artist celebrated as one of the nation’s foremost portrait painters. Her lifelong fascination with the human subject and dedication to her craft are evident in the timeless quality of her work. Through her authentic approach and attention to fine detail, she captures the likeness and essence of her subjects. Her work can be seen in private collections, boardrooms, universities, supreme courts, and Washington institutions. For more about Laurel and her work, visit www.boeckstudio.com.

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