Portrait Masterclass with Gareth Reid at Schoolhouse for Art, Enniskerry

This is a one off opportunity to learn deeply, intensively and informally from Gareth Reid winner of the Sky Arts Portrait Artist of the Year 2017. A chance to participate in a Workshop with a true Master Artist.

The key to drawing well from life is intensive observation and tenacity. This doesn’t have to translate into tight expressionless work as many think because if the artist is always pushing and the eye is as rigorous as possible the hand can be as vigorous as it wants. This is intersection is where exciting, well observed work comes from.

We will look at putting on/rubbing out, strengthening/losing edges, moving away from the outline, working tonally, having a go, getting close then closer still.

The aim of the course is to improve observation in portraiture by looking critically and daringly at shapes and relationships, by focusing on the structure of the head, to loosen up, to learn how to deal with mistakes, to think of a portrait as not just an arrangement of isolated features but something more life-like, solid and convincing.

Whilst the focus is on learning, the atmosphere is one of fun and enjoyment.

Born in Belfast, Gareth studied at University of Ulster, Glasgow School of Art and Florence Academy of Art, and now lives and works in Glasgow.

He has shown on five occasions at the BP Portrait Award in the National Portrait Gallery in London, and in 2007 won the BP Travel Award. Having travelled to Finland, he gave talks on his work in the National Gallery of Scotland, Edinburgh and the National Portrait Gallery, London. His work has been published by the NPG.

Dates: 8th & 9th / 10th & 11th November
Times: 10am – 4pm
Fee: €350
Location: Schoolhouse for Art, Enniskerry
Booking: schoolhouseforart.com/c

Portrait Masterclass with Gareth Reid at Schoolhouse for Art, Enniskerry