Louise Rainbow
Louise Rainbow has been teaching art for 25 years working in ceramics, drawing, painting and printmaking. She trained in contemporary arts at Bretton Hall, Leeds University and has experience teaching at all levels.
Painting a gentle portrait inspired by Gwen John with Louise Rainbow
Ref: D3D40376
About this course
This three day course explores the delicate and introspective world of Gwen John (1876–1939) – a pioneering modernist painter who is well known for her restrained colour palette, intimate portraits, and quiet emotional depth.
Course Description
The course covers practical exercises and historical insight, students will learn to paint portraits inspired by her subtle, contemplative and delicate approach. The course includes a visit to Tate Modern on the Friday afternoon to see Gwen Johns work in the flesh and gain an understanding of her artistic and philosophical influences.
Over the three days we will work with a life model, develop skills in muted colour mixing and layering of paint . We will look at space and composition and learn how to capture quiet emotion and intimacy in portraiture.
Students are encouraged to draw and paint from life and they can bring images of a person they would like to make a study of.
Course Materials
Included
On this course the College will supply some of the materials including:
- A range of acrylic paints
- Grey board and canvas to work on
- The model who will sit for the course on the Saturday
What students need to bring
The College asks for students to bring:
- Their own preferred set of small and medium soft paint brushes as well as 2B – 6B graphite sketching pencils
- A roll of masking tape
- An apron (a disposable apron will be provided but you may prefer to bring your own)
Additional information
Please wear appropriate clothing/aprons for the workshop or studio.
Timetable
Student registration: 10.30am - 11am
Course teaching: 11am – 5.15pm
Morning session: 11am - 1pm
Lunch break: 1pm - 2pm (lunch is not included)
Afternoon session: 2pm - 5.15pm (15 minute break, 3.30pm–3.45pm)
Teaching finishes: 5.15pm
General Information
Short courses are open to anyone aged 18 and over. The course fee covers tuition and materials where stated. You will need to bring all other items listed under the Materials to bring section.
Refreshments
Coffee and tea are included in the course fee, but you will need to bring lunch with you to eat in the refreshments room. There are also plenty of other local venues to purchase food.
Access
If you have any specific access needs, we will need to know about your access requirements in advance. Please tell us about your needs in confidence by emailing: [email protected] This venue has steps to the front reception, with limited access via a side gate to the ground floor. There is a small lift to higher floors or stairs.
Safety
Short course students are required to sign a safety compliance form as part of West Dean Health and Safety regulations.
Refunds and cancellations
Please refer to our terms & conditions below.
Disclaimer
The information given is accurate at the time of publication. However, West Dean College reserves the right to cancel or amend courses if circumstances require.
Terms & Conditions
Tutors
Further study options
Take the next step in your creative practice, with foundation level to Masters in Fine Art study.
Depending on your experience, start with an Online Foundation Certificate in Art and Design (one year, part-time), a Foundation Diploma in Art and Design made up of 10 short courses taken over two years (part-time) or advance your learning with our BA (Hons) Art and Contemporary Craft: Materials, Making, and Place (six years part-time). All will help you develop core skills, find direction in your practice and build an impressive portfolio in preparation for artist opportunities or higher-level study. See all degree and diploma courses.