Oil Portraits in Tasmania 2027

3 day Portraits - Our process

In this 3-day portrait workshop we will draw on classic and
contemporary techniques and materials.

Traditionally a detailed pencil or charcoal drawing of the subject
is made. This was used as the reference for tonal underpainting using Indian ink washes or grey paint. Another technique again referenced the drawing but instead covered a canvas in a warm earth colour such as burnt sienna and wiping off the paint to model lighter tones.

We are using a hybrid technique. Our detailed drawing doubles
as our tonal foundation.

Day 1.

1.     
We begin with an accurate drawing by tracing the image onto our canvas.

2.     
This drawing is developed with charcoal. This establishes the dark and mid tones. It is sealed with a matte acrylic spray.

Lunch

3.     
The drawing is glazed with transparent colours. This develops our portrait, establishes its colour.

At first, we use only colour, not white. Lead white is then introduced to lighten and modify our tone not to cover.

Today’s paint provides a surface for our paint on day two to bind to.

We need focus on mixing a ratio 1 to 4 painting medium to paint. This will help the paint move over the surface and dry enough to allow the next layer to go on top and bond to this first coat.

Day 2.

4.     
We introduce opaque colours to our painting.

Denser light colours made up of lead white and yellow ochre, warmed with cadmium red light cooled with ultramarine blue.
This is tinted with transparent colours to match our reference photograph.

Brush marks are broad. The focus is on matching the larger areas of skin and generous application of paint, not details.

Again, it is important to add small amounts of medium to our paint as we mix. This will aid application and encourage the
paint to “set up”, solidify, during the day.

Lunch

5.     
We continue. After this short break we re-evaluate the painting, rediscovering and emphasise the darks and highlights.

6.     
The focus for the end of the day is to a smooth the paint surface, removing distracting brush marks and blending the edges where tones meet.

Surface blending of small dabs of transparent colours to modify or intensify colours such as cheek flush or eye colour. We can use titanium white to brighten highlights. Care must be taken to add medium to the paint so it will dry sufficiently for tomorrows finishing paint.

Day 3 

7.     
Today we glaze, which in the application of transparent colour to deepen, warm, cool our painting. Lead white can be added directly to the paint surface in small amounts to lighten and aid blending.

8.     
Now is the time to add details like eyelashes, freckles, earrings, and wisps of hair. Bright reflections on glasses in the eyes, are applied with titanium white.

Lunch

9.     
We continue to observe and gently modify our portrait, using small soft dry brushes to blend and smooth.

10. “Where am I?”  We now take our reference image off the table.

As long as we abide by the physical world we have established in our painting so far, that being fall, intensity and colour of light, we can place our person in whatever scene we desire. We can now
modify our background and clothing, changing details of hairstyle and jewellery, and make the painting our own.

ARTABLE RETREAT TERMS & CONDITIONS

ACCOMMODATION

Rooms 1 - 5 have a king bed with a detached ensuite across
the hall. Ground floor.

Room 6 has 2 x king beds for sharing and an ensuite. Ground
floor.

Room 7 has 2 x double beds for sharing and an ensuite.

Room 8 has a queen bed with ensuite and Room 9 has a queen
bed with a detached ensuite.

Room 10 has a king bed and ensuite.

Rooms 7-10 are all located up a single set of stairs on our
top floor.

You can opt for one of the shared rooms and enjoy a $400
discount. Please note that there are 4 rooms located upstairs and we allocate rooms based on the order that bookings come in.

All rooms enjoy luxury linens and a plush mattress topper.

MEALS

All meals are included as outlined in inclusions. We draw from our local farmers as well as our region for produce and take pride in our meals. We are very used to catering to a wide range of diets, so please make sure you note any requirements. Please note that alcohol is not included and available for purchase on site. No alcohol is to be brought on location.

CLIMATE

The climate at this time of year can be cool but very pleasant. We will be in Autumn so you are likely to catch the incredible autumn colour.  Please bring warm clothes, evenings are cold and we may do evening excursions. Pack layers.

CLOTHING

Pack painting clothes and casuals. A good waterproof/windproof jacket is great for when the weather changes and you want to do walks outside. We recommend slippers for inside the hotel as some bathrooms are detached. Painters often find that fingerless gloves are wonderful in the cooler climates when working outside.

TRAVEL/TRANSFERS

We only do one transfer to and from the Launceston Airport or any hotel and pick up is at 3:45pm on Monday 10 May.

We depart Winnaleah (retreat venue) on Friday 14 May at 8am.

Please note the retreat venue is 90 minutes from Launceston.
If you need to overnight before the retreat commences, we recommend you book a night in Evandale or the Sebel Launceston.

We drive an hour and half to reach our venue and there a number of hills and turns. Bring travel sick tablets if you are worried about this.

TRAVEL INSURANCE

Travel insurance is highly recommended and is to be organised by you.

ART SESSIONS

Painting sessions are from 9am-4pm or as directed by the artist. The rest of the time is yours to enjoy. There is a group lounge with fireplace filled with art books and games.

FLIGHTS

Flights are not included and are to be organised by you (LAUNCESTON AIRPORT). Please check our pick up and drop off times.

PAYMENT

A non-refundable and non-transferable $200 deposit is to be made to secure your spot via our website and the reservation form completed.

FULL PAYMENT is due 10 May 2027 - we will send an invoice prior.

Payments are to be made to:

Artable Pty Ltd

Commonwealth Bank of Australia

BSB: 062 643

ACC: 1008 8473

Please use your surname as reference and your invoice number. For example, Smith6471

CANCELLATION/REFUNDS

This trip relies heavily on group numbers. Therefore it is necessary to charge a cancellation fee as outlined below in the event that you decide to cancel. If we decide to cancel the trip at any time we will issue you with a FULL refund. We are not responsible for expenses incurred in the preparation of trips (even cancelled trips), such as airline tickets, travel delays, flight cancellations. There is no refund if you arrive late or decide to leave early. Deposits secure your place and are non-refundable.

In the event that government travel restrictions prevent travel, you will be issued with a credit to be used at any Artable event.

Please note our cancellation dates & that Artable charges a $200 non-refundable and non-transferable fee as your deposit.

Cancellation up to 10 February 2027 - $200 non-refundable and non-transferable admin fee regardless of reason for cancellation.

Cancellation from 10 February - 10 March 2027 - 50% of trip cost refunded, less $200 non-refundable and non-transferable deposit.

Cancellation from 10 March - 10 May 2027 - No refunds

Please note that our itinerary is a guide only and is subject to changes to accommodate the group and teacher's needs as well as weather considerations. Have a look at our inclusions for a list of what is and isn't included.