ÚJ M. Verner: Portrait (16-17.5.26 Prague)

About the course:

During this course, we will learn the basics of portrait painting, look at the anatomy of the human face, the basics of shading and shaping, with which we can capture and transfer to paper such an incredibly interesting, but at the same time complicated object as the human face. We will learn to maintain correct proportions and try to express the character and personality emanating from the subject. I will show you how I create my portraits, what materials, tools and techniques I use.

The weekend watercolor course is suitable for both beginners and intermediates, as well as advanced beginners who want to gain new skills in painting this subject.

Lecturer: Margarita Verner (the course will be conducted in Czech with the possibility of translation into English/Russian).

A few words about the lecturer:

Margarita comes from Kazakhstan and has been living in Prague for several years. She has been painting since childhood, graduated from art school, after which she moved to the studio of two local artists and began to dedicate herself to her own work. Currently, her passion has become mainly watercolor and everything around it. She is fascinated by the underwater world and nature, which are frequent motifs in her paintings. She pours her own feelings, mood, and emotions connected with each motif into her works. In addition to watercolour, she also engages in oil painting and acrylic painting of large-format wall art.

The artist has participated in several solo and group exhibitions and festivals in the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Italy in recent years. Her paintings are in the collections of private art collectors worldwide.

She participates in the organization of the regular international festival - Prague Pleinair - www.praguepleinair.com. She leads private courses for her students, teaching them watercolour and oil painting techniques.

You can read more about the artist on her profile .

Recommendation:

We met Margarita at the Prague watercolour festival Prague Pleinair in 2023. Margarita is very active in various art groups and constantly learns from the world's best watercolourists. At the same time, she is excellent at current trends and has a great orientation in the wide range of materials for experienced watercolourists. Together with Margarita, we organize watercolor courses on the theme of water/landscape and portrait.

From participants of previous courses:

"The courses were great, very professional and inspiring. In a short time, I learned many new techniques and have inspiration for further creation"

"I enjoyed every lesson. Painting helped me relax. Before the course, I was afraid I would make mistakes, but after the explanation, it became easier. Thank you for the patient approach!"

"The courses were very comprehensive and I finally started to understand the material, because before that watercolor didn't work for me at all. Margarita explains everything very well and the visual demonstrations also helped me a lot. The combination of traditional techniques with modern approaches has opened new horizons for me"

Additional information about the course:

The course will take place at the Artikon Academy studio in Horní Počernice - Šplechnerova 808/1.

Course duration: 10:00 - 17:00 on Saturday and Sunday (including lunch break). The number of participants in the course is limited to 10, with a minimum of 5 participants. The course is suitable for intermediate, as well as advanced beginners (course in Czech with the option of translation into English/Russian).

List of recommended supplies:

- Watercolour paints in tubes of artistic quality (for portrait painting, you can use your own shades you are used to; skin tones can vary depending on many characteristics of the person you are painting - age, gender, lighting, etc.; we provide recommended shades including alternatives): Ultramarine blue/Cobalt blue, Burnt sienna, Raw sienna/Ochre/Quinacridone gold, cool red (e.g. Alizarin Crimson/Carmine/Madder lake), Indigo (Daniel Smith)/Indanthrene blue, bright pink (Opera pink, Quinacridone rose/Quinacridone pink), Perylen Violet

- here are the shades that are not required, but will be used during individual demonstrations: Lavender, Emerald green, Turquoise, Cerulean blue, Payne's grey, Neutral tint, Titanium white

- at least 5 pieces of watercolor paper 1/4 sheet (100% cotton, CP, 300g) – format 28×38 cm (not too rough, e.g. Magnani, Hahnemühle)

- brushes: 1 large mop or flat brush made of natural/very fine synthetic bristles that can hold a lot of water; a round synthetic brush that holds the tip well; a synthetic brush with a French weave (e.g. Da Vinci Casaneo no. 2); smaller brush for details; if you have and like to use them, calligraphic brushes are welcome

- soft pencil and plastic eraser

- water container

- water spray

- a palette with a large washable surface (ideally plastic)

- paper towels/handkerchiefs/sponge

- backing board (ideally a non-absorbent surface, e.g. plastic)

- masking tape width 2.5-3 cm

Cancellation policy: If you cancel your participation more than a week before the start of the course, you will be refunded the full amount paid or offered a place on another course. If you cancel less than a week before the start of the course, you will be charged 100% of the cancellation fee. The course organizer reserves the right to cancel the course in case of insufficient number of participants. In such a case, you will be offered a place on another course or refunded the full amount paid.