Painting
The core courses here at the RSA use the sight-size technique; students are taught to stand back from the easel and depict the subject true to life, observing the image as a whole. This method of measurement is applied when depicting casts, the human figure and in portraiture.
Specific exercises are given which will be worked out with the tutor according to the students level.
In line with the academic tradition, students become familiar with supports for painting, pigment selection and the basics of colour mixing, the use of mediums, the sight-size method and the use of tools for drawing and painting.
Accuracy in drawing and anatomy, the handling of paint, the accurate observation of light, shadow tones and form is strongly emphasised. Students use a limited palette in painting portraits and copying reproductions of classical paintings and casts. The tutor, with regular personal critiques, will monitor a step-by-step progression.
Drawing
Core drawing courses are designed to introduce a method of practice as taught at the academies and schools in Florence. Students are introduced to the academic method of figure drawing. They are taught to use the sight-size method of measurement, which trains the eye to view the subject with accuracy in order to reproduce it successfully.
Throughout the course, students will apply this method of measurement to the human figure. Students will begin with learning to copy 19th century academic drawings produced by Charles Bargue which focus on outline. As students progress they will move on to plaster casts of classical sculptures, studying proportion and shadow form to produce an accurate drawing.
In life-drawing classes students are taught to use, with efficiency, line and proportion while seeing the complex form as basic shapes.
Poses range from 1 minute to 45 minutes.
All classes are monitored by a tutor who supervises the individual progress of each student.
Specific materials are used which are supplied at the school.
Lectures & Screenings
Every RSA student will be welcome to join the evening sessions and social programme during the course week. There will be exclusive lectures with celebrated Irish artists and/or film screenings in Rossnaree’s main library and optional life-drawing evening sessions. Lectures will deal with varied themes throughout the history of art relating to the origins of our teaching as well as contemporary art concerns.
Landscape Painting with Joe Dunne
This course is suitable for painters who have already gained some experience in landscape drawing and painting and wish to hone their skills under the guidance of an expert practitioner of the genre. Students will be helped in selecting views and constructing arrangements which convey their responses to the environment with strength and subtlety. They will be shown how, by employing principles and elements of good composition, they can bring their works to a more advanced and successful level.
The main the emphasis will be on sessions taking place outdoors and on working directly from nature. A specific list of materials will be required, provided on registration.
Day 1 will be choosing your area of interest, framing a ‘view’ and starting to draw preparatory sketches. There will also be a discussion on oil painting techniques.
Day 2 will be about establishing a tonal under-painting based on collected visual material. There will be an exploration of the Alla Prima or direct method of painting.
Day 3 will be a continuation with the indirect method of painting in the studio and an alla prima painting outside. There will also be a discussion on the elements of colour, texture and size in composition.
Day 4 will be an opportunity for students to choose their own area of activity, continuing with work already started or begin new works in the studio or outdoors.
Day 5 will be a day for adding subtlety and fine tuning – there will be advice on making changes or cropping to improve a painting.
Portraiture & Life-Drawing with James Hanley
James Hanley will conduct an intensive 5-day Masterclass in life-drawing and painting, through demonstration, with individual instruction. The emphasis will be on accurate analysis and observation, applying specific techniques towards three finished pieces, a drawing, life painting and a portrait study. A specific list of materials will be required, provided on registration.
Day 1 will be a sustained, day long, single pose drawing in charcoal on paper.
Day 2 will be the first of 3 days single pose life painting on canvas, consisting of underdrawing in diluted raw umber and white.
Day 3 will be the introduction of colour and the building up of layers, using slow drying poppy oil and a limited palette.
Day 4 will be working into the still wet paint, adjusting and correcting, where necessary.
Day 5 will be a one-day portrait study in oil on canvas.
