Natalie’s painting workshops explore foundational oil painting skills through the genre of trompe l’oeil, where paintings deceive the eye by making a flat surface appear three-dimensional and hyper-realistic. 

The formal elements of representational painting are addressed such as form, value, color theory, drawing and composition, and practical studio tips will also be included. Varnishing and making oil transfers, along with daily painting demos and powerpoint presentations are an important part of her curriculum. Natalie encourages students to create original compositions that inspire them, with a focus on what they’d like to explore one-on-one with her individual attention. 

Natalie shares and discusses her experiences over a 25 year career such as working with galleries, the art business, photographing and cataloging your work, and how to promote your art on social media. She hopes participants will build friendships and connections, and have a fun and meaningful art experience during her intensive week long workshops.

What you’ll learn:

• Practical techniques such as how to transfer line drawings to panel in oil and graphite, and how to prepare smooth oil ground panels for painting. 

• How to begin a painting with a straightforward approach to the initial block in.

• How to read the values in your subject for tonal accuracy to create the most convincing illusion of light and form in your paintings.

• How to see edges, shadows and color accurately, bringing visual power to your paintings.

• Natalie’s simple approach to color and color mixing can be easily implemented into your painting style, bringing your paintings even greater depth.