This portrait workshop will explore the whole process of making a complete portrait. Working from life we will go over the fundamental principles of a strong portrait. Starting with loose abstract shapes, we will refine those shapes by pushing and pulling paint until a good likeness is achieved. Over the course of the 5 days we will paint many layers achieving a strong, 3 dimensional, and detailed portrait.
Many things will be discussed, such as color and how to simplify color, abstraction, brush control and painting handling, paint texture, painting from life vs, photographs, and how to photograph a person for panting, to name a few.
Each class will start with a demonstration and discussion followed by one on one teaching through the course of the day.
Intermittently throughout the week, we will do studies revolving around a particular concept Seth wishes to convey. It is likely we will do some portrait painting outside as well, which will open discussion about the differences and similarities between inside and outside portraits, as well as allow us to push the abstraction of painting.
Background for a portrait and different approaches to painting as strong an image as you can will be discussed and demonstrated.
Note: This workshop has a live model fee of $110.
About Seth Haverkamp
Seth Haverkamp is an internationally acclaimed portrait artist and 2019 recipient of the Portrait Society of America International Competition Draper Grand Prize. Seth has studied with internationally-known artist Nelson Shanks at Studio Incamminiati and renowned artist Robert Liberace. Known for his unique still lifes and portraits, Haverkamp derives his primary inspiration from beauty — color, form, and the drama of light and dark. Along with interesting and unique still-life paintings Seth has done many commissioned portraits, but his chief subject and love is his children. They always take him to new heights of creativity and beauty.
For his portrait “Essie’s Headress”, Haverkamp won “People’s Choice Award” in the 2013 Portrait Society of America’s International Portrait Competition. Other honors include a Certificate of Excellence in the 2011 Portrait Society Competition, a Best in Show award at the 2008 Portrait Society Competition, and a finalist award in the Art Renewal Center’s 2011 International Competition. Seth’s work has been highlighted in a number of publications including American Artist, International Artist magazine, and the online magazine Artists on Art. His work has been featured in numerous exhibitions across the United States.
It was a portrait of his daughter Echo that earned him Best in Show in the 2008 Portrait Society of America’s International Portrait competition. Other honors include a Certificate of Excellence in the 2011 show. Also in 2011, he was a finalist in the Art Renewal Centers International Competition. Recently, Seth won “Peoples Choice Award” in the 2013 Portrait Society of America’s International Portrait Competition for a painting of his daughter Essie as well as “Top Honors” in the same competition in 2013 and 2014. Seth was also a finalist and received an award from the 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018 ARC international painting competition in the portraits category.
Seth regularly holds workshops throughout the United States. He also opens his home-based studio for classes and demonstrations once weekly.
Rates & Enrollment
Day Student Tuition: $930.00
Full 5-Day Package*: $2,533.80-$2,747.64
*5-Day Workshop Package includes: Tuition for 5 full class days, 6 nights of dinner, lodging, breakfast, daily cookie and fruit breaks, unlimited coffee and tea, and welcoming wine and cheese reception. Your choice between a room to yourself (single occupancy) or bring a friend and split a room (double occupancy).
Get more information about your options to enroll here.