This intensive 10-day workshop invites you to explore the human figure as a vehicle for storytelling, as you draw and paint the model from life within the context of a larger allegorical narrative.

The model will be staged in an environment inspired by a scene from mythology, and it will be up to you and your fellow artists to balance what you observe with your own imagination to bring your creative interpretation of the narrative to life on canvas.
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The course starts with exercises in poster studies, where you will work out your composition and explore tonal and colour relationships before moving into the final painting. This process reinforces a solid foundation in drawing while encouraging clarity and confidence in paint application. Through in-depth personalised guidance, César will take you through an academic approach to painting the model from life, providing you with a deeper understanding in key principles such as proportion, anatomy, perspective, and insights into how structure and movement bring vitality to the figure.

At the same time, this workshop gives you the opportunity to let your imagination roam free as you explore narrative possibilities and shape your artistic voice. For those up to the challenge, this advanced workshop will offer you a dynamic learning environment where traditional academic practice meets creative awareness and personal flair.

• Develop skills in figure drawing and painting from life, with a focus on composing a narrative scene from mythology
• Learn to integrate observation with imagination, using allegorical contexts to inform your compositions and expand your creative sensibilities
• Explore pictorial composition, tonal relationships, and colour through a rigorous series preparatory studies, leading up to the execution of the final painting
• Balance technical mastery with personal expression, cultivating a unique artistic voice while adhering to academic principles

Physical Fitness
This workshop takes place fully outdoors. The nature of this class requires students to be able to comfortably walk up to 20-30 minutes outdoors in different types of terrain while carrying your painting gear.

Painting Locations & Bad Weather
Painting locations will be set within 30 minutes walking distance or less from the studio, with easy access to parking, public transport, and restroom facilities. Painting sites (and back-up locations, in case of bad weather) will be communicated to the group shortly ahead of the first day of class.
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In case the weather gets too severe to paint outdoors at all, DARA has a spacious private garden with large trees and plants, which we can paint from the shelter of the classrooms (not ideal, but can work in a pinch!)

Transport of Paintings
DARA can assist with transporting wet paintings and painting gear to/from the studio each day, as needed.
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