Create with Donna Downey at Rockin' R Retreat Center in Temple, TX!

This AMAZING "almost" All-Inclusive Retreat includes...

• Two nights accommodations-Wednesday, Thursday (Friday also available)
• Wednesday check-in: 6pm to 9pm (you're on your own for Wednesday dinner)
• Friday check-out: 5pm
• Five meals (Thursday Breakfast, lunch, dinner and Friday breakfast, lunch)
  
• Snacks
• Happy Hour: Thursday 5pm
• Class starts at 10am and ends at 4pm on Thursday and Friday

**We aren't including supplies in the price, because many of you will have some if not all of the supplies and this will save you money!  However, for those who wish to have some or all of the supplies waiting for you, we may be offering that option when you pay your balance.

About the teacher

Donna Downey 

Website: https://www.donnadowney.com/

Facebook: @donnadowneyARTIST https://www.facebook.com/donnadowneyARTIST/

Instagram: @donnadowney https://www.instagram.com/donnadowney/

Youtube:  https://www.youtube.com/user/donnadowney 

Donna Downey is an accomplished painter, bestselling author, instructor, and entrepreneur with a passion for nurturing the creative development of other artists. Her artist studio, located on 23 secluded, wooded acres in an idyllic setting has been an escape to many artists seeking to grow and fulfill their potential. Through her own endeavors, Inspiration to Action Retreats, mentorship opportunities, and creative development, she has helped foster the creativity and journey of countless artists. 

"By applying proven methods and experiences, I seek to equip and empower artists to discover their full creative potential. Whether you are an accomplished artist or just beginning your creative journey, I invite you to join me and grow." Donna

The Simplified Portrait-2 days

Description:

One of the most magical discoveries I have experienced as an artist is that "I can paint faces!!" These were the exact words that escaped in excitement when I finished my first portrait. Since painting that portrait, I have not only seen my portrait work grow beyond my own personal artistic boundaries, but I have also gained a more expressive quality and voice in my work. Exploring this new expressive approach to my art, I can directly attribute much of that growth to simplifying my portrait painting process.

I designed this class for all levels from the very beginner to the practiced artist. Although we will work together in establishing some basic portrait basics, we will not draw a single line!  NO DRAWING NEEDED. We will be painters, enjoying the art of the painted portrait without measuring and technical mumbo jumbo that only confuses the joy of painting.

• Complete 2-6 Simplified Portraits.
• We will work from the same image provided for the first piece and then an individualized image (student choice) for additional pieces.
• This workshop can be done in acrylics or oils (or both).
• We will not be striving for realism, instead focusing on the expressive quality of portraiture.
• We will explore paint colors, skin tones, and color mixing.
• Elements of the face and how they apply to facial expressions.
• Portraits from different perspectives.
• Defining the face through shadow and light.
• Highlighting the stylistic differences each artist brings to their own painting.

Students will need to bring or purchase and have shipped the following supplies:

I've made an Amazon list here for your convenience: http://a.co/80P3bjU 

• Two to four 9x12 or larger canvases (pre-primed with a coat of inexpensive red acrylic paint)
• Any color red, inexpensive acrylic paint to prime canvas
• Paint colors (Either acrylic or oil)
• Titanium White
• Raw Umber or Burnt Umber
• Yellow Ochre
• Cadmium or Pyrrole Red
• Paintbrushes.  I like a size 4, 6 and/or 8 Filbert. Maybe a detail round size 2, but I always recommend using what you have on hand and not buying anything new for the workshop.
• At least one reference photo to paint from. Some tips for choosing a photo:
• The image should be a simple headshot, sometimes it helps to have a B&W and color version to reference.  If you crop the photo to 3x4 and then print it to “fit the page” the dimensions will be correct to work from.
• If painting in Acrylic:
• Golden OPEN acrylic medium (optional, but this keeps your paint workable and easier to blend longer)
• Sta-wet palette
• Palette knife for mixing colors
• If painting in Oil: Before choosing oils, please consider the longer drying time that oils take.  You want your paintings to be dry for transport home.
• Brush washer
• Gamsol
• Palette
• Gloves (optional)
• Oil medium (optional. I like Gamblin Alklyd)
• Tabletop easel if preferred (optional)