Art Course in Florence
In May, 2025 I returned to the Florence Academy of Art to do Part II of the Painting, Drawing and Art History course that I began in 2022. The already intensive course was now shortened to five weeks instead of the previous six weeks.
Eleonora Oil on canvas 20 × 16 inches
As before, we started with a charcoal drawing working on values in preparation for the oil portrait in the second half of the course. Mine was a death mask of Beethoven and the other was a young girl. We also did a still life in oils more complex than before and a portrait of an Italian girl. For both paintings we did a quick oil study.
Copper Pair Oil on canvas 12 × 16 inches (framed)
At the same time as the portrait we worked on a large charcoal life drawing which is shown below. We spent about nine days on this overall. Building up the layers of charcoal takes time whilst taking care not to lose the exact shape that was created in the beginning.
Gabriela Charcoal on Arches paper 30 × 14 inches
I am pleased that I returned to Florence because I think I improved from the experience. As a result my work has more depth and volume.
Beethoven Mask Charcoal on Arches paper 12 × 10 inches
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