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: D3D42054
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 John's 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. ?
Daily Course Outline
Day One Gwen John: Looking and Drawing Introduction to Gwen John, her life, work and historical context. Explore her approach to portraiture, colour, space and composition through discussion and sketching exercises.
On Friday morning, Students will meet the tutor at Tate Britain at 10:30am to view Gwen John's work in person and draw inspiration from her paintings, considering her use of colour, scale, atmosphere and intimate subject matter.
Day Two Beginning the Portrait Begin an acrylic portrait study working from a life model. Explore Gwen John-inspired approaches to muted colour, tonal relationships and simplified composition. Students will experiment with a restricted palette and layering paint to create subtle shifts in colour and atmosphere.
Day Three Developing Quiet Emotion Continue developing the portrait studies, focusing on composition, space, colour relationships, layering and mark-making. Students will refine their work with individual guidance and consider how subtle changes in colour, tone and expression can communicate intimacy and quiet emotion. The day will conclude with a review and discussion of the finished or developing studies.
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)
Available to buy
A good variety of art and craft materials are available to buy in the Gardens Gatehouse Shop.
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
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.