Robert Liberace WOWs the Woodlands this week

Dave Malin in costume as
painted by Robert Liberace

This week, I have had the extraordinary opportunity of attending the Robert Liberace workshop "Color Figure and Portrait Painting Alla Prima" at The Woodlands Art League Gallery, in The Woodlands, Texas.   Today was day two of his five day marathon workshop, during which he painted the costumed figure.  Dave Malin, a fellow artist and member of the Woodlands Art League, donned 17th century garb and served as the subject of the morning demonstration.   Liberace showed amazing speed in carefully creating an under painting in the grisaille method followed by masterfully laying down color to complete the portrait shown right in less than two hours.

Detail from Liberace's Painting

Liberace added color systematically in the non-shadow and shadow sections of the face by adding subtle color changes visible on the model while still staying within the desired value range he had originally established.  His technique also included using the back end of the brush to lightly scrape out paint and gently add texture to the surface of the painting.

I do not feel that I am overstating that I was truly awed by his artistry.  I took the photo on the left with my i-phone. I don't think it captures the true beauty of the work as seen by the naked eye.

Jessica by Susan Hotard

My final contribution to this blog will be to post the artwork of my colleague, fellow artist and teacher Susan Hotard.  Susan created this wonderful gem of our afternoon model Jessica.

I am so very honored to participate in this workshop, and offer my sincere thanks to The Woodlands Art League for bringing in artists of this incredible calibre to benefit our community.

Happy Painting Everyone.  If you aren't inspired by this artwork, you can't be moved.

Beth VanDeventer
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