The Arts Council announces Portraiture classes with Luke Taft at the Larimer Arts Center 216 Reid Street, Palatka. Luke will be teaching two classes, one intermediate and one for beginners.
Luke is a painter/ sculptor/ craftsman in Palatka, Florida. His work includes contemporary furniture, kinetic sculpture, and surreal drawings and oil paintings with a focus on portraiture and the human form. Raised in the fertile back woods of Putnam County, Luke's appreciation for undisturbed natural beauty has driven his urge to interact with human materials in a way that preserves a high aesthetic standard. After receiving a degree in Fine Art from the University of New Mexico, Luke has returned to Florida to practice his craft and now teaches portraiture.
Beginning Portrait Class
This class is an introduction to creating realistic portraits. It is available for anybody aged 15 or over and no experience or talent is necessary. Soft pastels will be used, introducing participants to portraiture in full color, but with a forgiving and affordable medium.
The intent of this class is to provide general knowledge of how to begin developing skills in portraiture. Each participant will create a portrait from a photograph by following demonstrated techniques. No art supplies are needed for the first session, but please bring a print-out of the photo. A materials list will be provided along with a demonstration on how to get started. Expect to spend $10- $45 on supplies depending on the quality and ease of use desired.
Intermediate Portrait Class Description
The intermediate portrait class is for those who have some previous experience with drawing or painting. Participants will already know how to accurately transfer the basic shape of the reference material to the portrait. As with the beginning class, soft pastels will be used. However, the intermediate class will focus on technique and detail.
For the first class, please bring a set of soft pastels and a print out of a good quality head shot. Paper will be provided, but feel free to bring the paper of your choice. A few light and dark pastel pencils are recommended, but not mandatory.
Classes will be $40.00 for the whole month with one class per week. For more information please call 328-8998 or email artsinputnam@aol.com. To view Luke’s work please visit http://luketaft.com
