Paint Like a Master with Lydia Cecil (Aug 2024)
In this three-day mastercopy workshop, students will be able to investigate the techniques of a master. Alongside learning to paint like them, they will get in-depth insights into their lives, working conditions, and artworks.
Artists have always studied from other artists. Michelangelo made studies from Giotto, Rubens from Titian, Picasso from Velázquez. Copying another’s work allows you to decipher exactly how a master represented their subject matter and unlocks a whole new appreciation and understanding of their work. It is also an exciting chance to explore time-tested techniques to apply to your own practice.
In this workshop, we will specifically be studying two titans of representational art: Anders Zorn (1860-1920) and Cecilia Beaux (1855-1942). Students will be able to choose from a selection of their paintings to copy.
Zorn and Beaux were key agents in the development of representational art. We will be examining such elements as their composition and colour choices, and brushwork techniques. During the workshop, we will also explore their lives and legacies, and how a Swedish man and an American woman came to embody twentieth century portraiture.
Who is the tutor?
This course is taught by Lydia Cecil. After graduating in History from the University of Edinburgh, Lydia Cecil trained at the London Atelier of Representational Art. Her work explores human nature and its representation. She has been an Artist in Residence for the New Generation Festival in Florence and for the Tiapapata Art Centre in Samoa. She has exhibited in UK, Samoa and Malta and is a contributing tutor to Raw Umber Studios.
Her work can be found on her website www.lydiacecil.co.uk or Instagram @lydiacecilartist.
"Lydia has been an excellent tutor. Her guidance on drawing has been invaluable. She's also not afraid to push us to take risks. Definitely worth it."
Materials list
- Palette knife
- Canvas (between 40cm and 80cm high as a suggestion)
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Low-odour solvent (eg Sansodor). Please note that turpentine is not permitted in the studio.
- Linseed oil
- Brushes: Lydia suggests hog brushes, but any you prefer is fine. Variety of sizes.
- Dipper
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2 x jam jars for keeping brushes in
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Kitchen towels
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Pen and paper for taking notes
- Oil paints: White, Yellow Ochre, Cadmium Red and Black for the Zorn Palette. For the imprimatura, we recommend to include Raw Umber.
- Suggested additions include (not essential): Lemon Yellow, Ultramarine/Cobalt Blue, Venetian Red/Alizarin or Rose Madder
How many students will there be?
There is a maximum of 12 participants and the tutor will customise the course according to your individual needs.
You can see a materials list for this course here. If you have any questions, please see our frequently asked questions or contact us.
