PORTRAITURE | GARETH REID
Dates: Thu 30th Oct - Sun 2nd Nov
Duration: 2 OR 4 day options
Times: 10am - 4.30pm
Location: Enniskerry
Skill Level: all levels welcome
Please see detailed workshop information below
If this course is fully booked or not currently scheduled, go ahead add your name to the waiting list HERE
Payment plans available contact us directly
aBOUT THE WORKSHOP
We are delighted to welcome Gareth back to the Schoolhouse for Art Autumn 2025. He offers a great opportunity to learn deeply, intensively and informally. This is 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!
-
Here are the key learning points from the workshop, summarized into bullet points:
Deep, intensive, and informal learning experience with Master Artist Gareth.
Focus on drawing from life, emphasizing intensive observation and persistence.
Understanding the balance between precision and expression — learning that strong observation allows for more dynamic, vigorous mark-making.
Techniques covered:
Putting on and rubbing out
Strengthening and losing edges
Moving away from strict outlines
Working tonally
Developing a mindset of experimentation — "having a go," getting close and then closer still.
Improving observational skills in portraiture by:
Critically analyzing shapes and spatial relationships
Focusing on head structure
Loosening up and dealing constructively with mistakes
Viewing portraits holistically — learning to see them as cohesive, lifelike forms rather than disconnected features.
Supportive and enjoyable atmosphere that encourages learning through fun and engagement.
-
Confirmed on registration
“Every portrait that is painted with feeling is a portrait of the artist, not of the sitter.”
MEET THE ARTIST
