THINKING IN PAINT
This workshop is designed to guide the students toward creating their unique language in paint through the use of both a live model and a photo reference. We will identify what is most useful about each and how to apply it to both in order to create a fresh, expressive, painterly work while still maintaining an illusionistic realism. The goal is to balance on the edge of where paint is just becoming sometime else.
We will discuss how to create the most useful photo reference in making a great painting that surpasses the look of that photograph, not simply imitates it. The workshop will explain topics such as ideal lighting, camera settings, lenses, Photoshop, and printing. We will also draw and paint from a live model and contrast working from life vs from a photo. Students will learn to create a palette, finding color relationships that map the space and volume, creating illusion. Alyssa will demonstrate how she begins a painting, putting emphasis on ways of activating the surface. By focusing on deliberate brush stroke and maintaining accurate color relationships rather than rendering, the application of paint to describes the form. Students will accentuate the structural volumes of the form over the contour, concentrating on relating all parts of the picture to each other with an organized palette. From there, students will be guided towards deciding what information is useful to look for and what usual pitfalls to avoid when interpreting a photograph or the live model. Deciding when and how to invent and experiment is perhaps the most crucial part of the process. We will explore ways of seeing the picture objectively, how to imply detail without overstating, and what level of finish works best for the particular painting or style. Methods of Glazing and Scumbling will be demonstrated, as well, for future use. The final result can be a painting that captures the essence of your subject (and your connection with that subject) and contains the intimacy of the human touch. There are a variety of results varying from abstraction/improvisation to a more illusionistic representation. All will be discussed and the challenges and rewards of each will be explored.
Visit Alyssa on Instagram
Interested?
Room type 1:
Twin bedroom. Shared with the same gender.
Shared bathroom. € 2300,-
If you identify differently please let us know so we can find a suitable roommate for you.
Room type 2:
Private bedroom. Shared bathroom. € 2600,-
Room type 3:
Private bedroom. Private bathroom. € 2900,-
This workshops will be taught for all levels of artists.
THE PRICE INCLUDES
* 6 Nights of Accommodation
* 5 Days of Expert Tuition
* All Meals and Drinks (alcohol not included)
* Transportation during the entire stay
* Art materials includes; easels, palettes, painting surfaces, painting mediums, paper towels
* Models
This workshop will be taught in English.
See our FAQ for any questions you might have.
YOUR STAY
Your Arrival & First Day
On the first day, we’ll ease into the experience with a relaxed and welcoming start. We offer two group transfers from Life Drawing Barcelona in the city center at different times during the day. Once everyone has arrived at the venue, we’ll gather for a welcome and introduction session, where we’ll go over the schedule and details of the week ahead. Afterward, you’ll be assigned your room, and we’ll enjoy a laid-back evening with delicious local food and drinks—an opportunity to unwind and get to know each other.
The Workshop Experience
The following day, we’ll dive into five consecutive days of intensive learning with your chosen tutor. The detailed workshop itinerary will be shared on arrival. Throughout the week, we’ll also enjoy field trips, communal dinners, and fun evenings—all carefully arranged so you can focus entirely on learning, creating, and making the most of your time. Throughout the workshop, each participant will have a one-on-one session with their tutor for a personalized portfolio review.
Departure
On the morning of the 7th day, we’ll provide an early group transfer back to the city center, returning to Life Drawing Barcelona, and one later in the afternoon. See our faq’s for travel information.
UPCOMING WORKSHOPS
MARIJA TIURINA
13 - 19 April 2026
ALYSSA MONKS
22 - 28 April 2026