Capture the character of a much-loved dog in an expressive oil portrait. Join British oil painter Katie H Vallance for a practical, encouraging workshop exploring how drawing,
colour and brushwork come together to create a convincing likeness.
Paint your own canine companion or create a personal gift for someone special.
Who the workshop is for
Suitable for beginners and those with some experience of oils, the workshop combines demonstrations with individual guidance. The emphasis is on developing confidence, understanding the principles of portrait painting and finding an expressive approach of your own.
Morning
Begin by exploring your reference photograph, planning the composition and establishing a strong drawing and underpainting. Katie will demonstrate how to simplify shapes and recognise tonal values – the light and dark areas that give a portrait its structure.
Afternoon
Explore colour mixing and learn how to organise a practical palette before developing your painting. Working from mid-tones through to darker values and lighter passages, discover how colour and expressive brushwork can create form, suggest the texture of fur and bring out your dog’s individual character.
There will be opportunities for questions and one-to-one coaching throughout the day.
What you will take away
You will leave with a stronger understanding of the principles of oil portrait painting and your own portrait to continue developing at home. Depending on your experience and chosen approach, you may complete your painting during the workshop.
Before you attend
Guidance on choosing a suitable reference photograph will be provided in advance. Paint and a painting surface are included, with brushes available to borrow.
About The Tutor
Katie H Vallance is the Ruby Tree Illustrator at the Goodwood Estate’s Goodwoof, where she created more than 30 oil sketches over one weekend in memory of visitors’ much-loved dogs. She has also exhibited and painted live at Henley Royal Regatta and creates commissioned paintings for private collectors.
Tickets: £72
Running Time: 6 hours
Age Rating: 16+
A £2 booking fee is included in the ticket price above. This applies when booking online and in person. The booking fee covers costs charged to the charity for the booking system and payment processing.
