Well-known artist Grace Kotze will present a portrait course at The
Breathing Space in Glenwood.
The course consists of four Saturday morning classes stretched over the
month of June, investigating one of Kotze’s favourite subjects, the human
portrait.
“Personally I find the portrait to be one of the most compelling
subjects both technically and emotionally. Throughout the course we will
explore investigative tools, problem solving methods and the importance of
finding a personal approach to painting. Once we are able to break a subject
down into an identifiable puzzle, problem solving becomes a far more manageable
process,” Kotze explains.
“But above all we will investigate the individual’s unique approach to
painting in a manner that best describes her/his personal concerns,” she adds.
The main areas of investigation are:
1. The physical structure of the portrait – what we see is largely
determined by the tissue and skeletal structure beneath.
2. Colour – the complex makeup of skin colour, the varying degrees of
light absorbency affecting colour, etc.
3. Areas that often seem problematic – e.g. hair, eyes, teeth, the
muscles surrounding the mouth etc.
4. Intent – how to manipulate technical knowledge to produce the
emotional content of the work.
This course does not teach a formula but rather encourages the
individual to explore and discover their own personal concerns.
Artists will determine their own pace, and if they want to work on new
works each week or work on the same one for the extent of the workshop.
“Painting in a group and attending a workshop can be an intimidating
process but this does not need to be the case as painting is a learning process
which must be one of trial and error. This is the approach that I take with me
every day while painting and will encourage throughout the course,” says Kotze.
Course dates are June 2, 9, 23 and 30, 2018, and run from 09h00 to 12h30.
Cost: R1,100.00.
For more information, email gracekotze@gmail.com or phone 082 560 5045. The
Breathing Space is at 191 Bulwer Road, corner Bulwer and Ferguson (opposite the
KZNSA Gallery parking), Durban.