Detail of "The Photographer, Portrait of Jim French,"  Adrian Gottlieb. 

Painting the Figure in Oil

NEW offering: Learn the Four Stages of Verdaccio

Classes run for ten week long terms.

Saturday session .   10:30am-5:30pm

Qualified applicants may request that they be put on the waiting list for future sessions. 

Applications accepted on an ongoing basis.  

Click here for:  On-line Application

Overview

Adrian Gottlieb, offers instruction in painting methods developed from the Renaissance through the early 20th century with a particular emphasis on Gottlieb's ongoing research and experimentation.

Extensive attention is dedicated to sensitivity to light, color and form.

Adrian Gottlieb trains a maximum of 8 students in his working private Atelier (studio), located in Elysian Valley (Los Angeles County), California not far from Pasadena.

The focus of this program is on painting techniques and specifically figurative painting (including the classic nude, portraiture, full compositional paintings of the clothed figure and models posed with the input of class participants).

The importance of developing strong drawing skills is continuously stressed and students are encouraged to pursue advanced drawing courses including anatomical drawing , analytical / geometric and constructive drawing.  

Students work under north facing natural light, painting from live models.  Models return each week to pose in the same position (conforming to the original pose in every detail) for the full ten sessions. Long-poses are essential to the accomplishment of fully finished paintings. 

Techniques include (but are not limited to) Verdaccio, Grisaille, Alla prima (Direct painting), indirect painting, impasto, wet on white, glazing, and scumbling, with a goal of achieving depth, luminosity, and capturing the illusion of the essence of life. 

Students should expect to cover techniques and methods not frequently addressed in contemporary studio art programs.

Working from the initial cartoon, full drawings, color studies, and underpainting through complex painting techniques and completion, Adrian Gottlieb typically paints alongside his students. His system ensures close interaction and allows for a more spontaneous response to student needs and critiques.

The development of one's own personal content and expression is respected.

Prerequisites 
Painting the Figure in OIl is not an introductory drawing program; therefore,  Adrian asks that applicants possess a level of drawing proficiency that assures they are ready to study beginning painting through advanced and professional level painting techniques and methods.  Intermediate level and advanced level painters are very welcome since since the program is designed in the apprenticeship style - each participant, students and colleagues, work from their own level of achievement and advance from that point onward.

When available, private preparatory study may be available.  While private training is highly flexible and responsive to the needs of each individual, a requisite level of drawing proficiency is preferred.  If you have any questions regarding private study or the drawing requirement, please contact Adrian@GottliebStudios.com.

Assignments
Due to the small intimate setting and close interaction, students are provided with a great deal of personal attention.  Positive personal dynamics play a key role in the program.  This can result in significant progress within a shorter period of time than one might achieve in a larger setting.  However, to benefit, applicants must be willing to agree to complete out-of-studio assignments.

Enrollment 
Eight qualified students are selected.  If the class is full, pre-qualified applicants may request to be placed on the waiting list.

Classes run for ten week long terms; however, four terms are offered per year to accommodate long-term, continued study in the atelier tradition.  Typically, students who have been previously enrolled in the program will be given first priority to register for continuation. 

Application
Student applications for both private instruction and the ongoing terms are accepted throughout the year. 

Refunds are not available for any missed classes.

Occasional flexibility may be required in order to adjust to unexpected changes in the model's schedule or class trips.

How to Apply
Applicants are welcome to use the simple On-line Application form which has been designed specifically for easy uploading of example drawings and/or paintings.  

The application provides the opportunity to include personal commentary for those who wish to provide any additional information. 

Since Adrian receives a great deal of email, the application ensures your work has been directed to a dedicated email address set up specifically for this purpose.

Serious potential students should feel free to email Adrian with any questions, or to discuss the classes in greater depth.

Advancement
Students advance through the program by way of "Systematic Progression," -- each participant works at their own individual pace and skill level as they accomplish and build on increasingly advanced techniques and methods.

Please contact Adrian@GottliebStudios.com  with any questions.