This past weekend we had a wonderful workshop with Joe MacKecknie, appropriately titled the “I Can’t Paint a Portrait” Workshop.
For two days, Joe patiently worked with 12 students who had the interest and passion to paint people, but may or may not have had the courage until now to tackle this endeavor. Some of the students came from a background of experience painting and drawing and some were novices.
As with so many of our classes, people often comment how encouraging and helpful our instructors are. One of Joe’s students, Priscilla wrote this to me today:
“Thank you, Denise! I learned so much from Joe MacKechnie, and was fascinated by some of the techniques in obtaining a likeness. Having taken classes in forensics and composite drawing for law enforcement, I saw that his grid was a bit different, but it all falls under the category of getting things in the right place. Using the powdered charcoal was a new experience as was loosely painting in watercolor before the drawing. And I had fun with those water soluble pens! I ventured totally out of my regular realm, and well worth the trip. Your comments on how the left/right brain work when taking a workshop made total sense. My specialty is aviation art and I am looking to put more figures into my aviation paintings.
On another note, for me coming from Sequim, Edmonds is an easy drive and ferry ride. The Best Western Harbor Inn is within walking distance of the ferry, the gallery and numerous places to eat. This was the second workshop I attended with you and I hope to attend more in the future.”
Take a look at this portrait Priscilla made during the workshop.
We have many more great workshops scheduled for 2012. I hope you try one out if you have not done so before!
