Painting the Portrait in Charcoal using Both Dry and Wet Alla Prima Techniques: Michelle Dunaway | Workshop | Charcoal
Michelle will guide students with demonstrations and one on one personalized instruction on painting the portrait in Charcoal using brushes, powdered charcoal, condensed charcoal, and a variety of tools and techniques. Over the first two days, students will complete a portrait using the dry charcoal technique, focusing on tonal values, edge variety, and structure. In the second two-day pose, Michelle will introduce the use of water to create intentional, painterly brushwork. This approach allows for a more fluid, expressive finish while maintaining accuracy and conveying emotional depth through brushwork akin to techniques used in Alla Prima portrait painting. During the course of this four-day comprehensive hands-on class, students will glean an in depth understanding of value orchestration as well as the process of observing and implementing edges rhythmically to create a dynamic composition. Michelle’s process emphasizes the importance of understanding edges to convey mood and presence—transforming a portrait from a mere likeness into a compelling, emotive work of art. Whether you're new to charcoal or looking to deepen your understanding of painterly portraiture, this workshop offers a rich opportunity to explore the full potential of this timeless medium. www.dunawayfineart.com