Portrait Painting Workshop with Alex Venezia
Instructor: Alex Venezia
Dates: July 22–July 26, 2024
Times: 9 am-4 pm (lunch 12-1 pm; participants are asked to bring their own bagged lunch)
Workshop Location: Lyme Academy of Fine Arts
Levels/Ages: All levels welcome; ages 15+
In this course, students learn a unique, step-by-step approach to painting the portrait from life. Venezia’s proven method emphasizes working in layers, rather than alla prima, allowing for greater control and refinement of the final result. Individual critiques, instructor-led demonstrations, and Q&A are offered and encouraged.
Supplies: Click here for the Alex Venezia Supply List Workshop July 2024
Terms: Please review our Terms, Conditions, and Policies prior to enrollment.
Artist Bio
Alex Venezia is an American representational oil painter whose work has earned him nationwide representation, as well as numerous accolades and awards. Eschewing the traditional academy approach in favor of studying under several renowned painters from various schools of thought worldwide, including Odd Nerdrum, Colleen Barry, Michael Klein, Daniel Sprick, and Jeff Hein, Venezia has developed a highly personal yet effectively instructive style and approach. Venezia’s work is currently represented by Arcadia Contemporary in New York City; his works have also been acquired by the New Salem Museum. Venezia was awarded a first-place painting prize by the Portrait Society of America, and a first-place prize in the Still Life Competition at the Grand Central Atelier in New York City.
Instagram: @alexjvenezia
Website: alexvenezia.com
Supply List
Note: Workshop registrants receive 10% off in de Gerenday’s Fine Art Materials and Curiosities, Lyme Academy’s art store.
A new PDF with updated supply information is available here: Alex Venezia Supply List 2024 updated.
Alex’s Palette, Left to Right
- Raw Umber – Old Holland
- Ivory Black
- Ultramarine Blue (red shade) – Natural Pigments/Rublev
- Cobalt Blue – Michael Harding
- Chinese Vermillion – Sennelier
- Transparent Red Iron Oxide – Natural Pigments/Rublev
- Transparent Oxide Yellow – Michael Harding
- Blue Ridge Yellow Ocher – Natural Pigments/Rublev
- LeadTin Yellow Dark – Natural Pigments/Rublev
- Lead White #2 – Natural Pigments/Rublev
MEDIUMS
- Handmade mixture of 50/50 Linseed Oil/Gamsol
- “Italian Varnish” gel medium by Natural Pigments/Rublev
PAINTING SURFACE
Size: around 11 x 14 inches to 12 x 16 inches
Panel primed with 2+ layers of Lead Alkyd Ground (Natural Pigments/Rublev) to a semi-smooth finish. Cannot be sanded.
-or-
Pre-made Panel Lead or Oil Primed Smooth/Semi-smooth Finish. There are a few companies that make panels like this, it doesn’t need to be a specific brand. Examples: Artefex Oleopanel (Lead Oil) Smooth Finish or Artefex Allinpanel (Lead Primed or Oil Primed) Fine or Extra Fine Finish.
OPTIONAL COLORS
Alex sometimes uses both of these reds instead of the Chinese Vermillion: Naphthol Red or Alizarin Claret from Michael Harding.
BRUSHES:
Alex Venezia Brush Set – Rosemary & Co.