OIL PORTRAIT COURSE with Pietro Geranzani: the face and the matter
Oil Portrait Course with Pietro Geranzani
A hands-on journey to learn oil portrait technique and develop an independent pictorial language. The portrait is the most direct and powerful way to represent a person, translating their features through colour.
What will you learn?
Portrait from Life
Working with a live model, we will tackle the construction of the face. Focus will be placed on the rendering of volumes, light, and the chromatic relationships that define the subject’s physiognomy.Palette Study
In this phase, students will be guided through the construction of a targeted palette, starting from the fundamental techniques. We will analyse and experiment with different colour combinations, from the celebrated limited palette of Zorn to the more elaborate palettes of Sargent and the Expressionists.The Self-Portrait
Several sessions will be dedicated to studying one’s own face, a method used throughout art history as a constant practice of painting and self-exploration.The Lesson of Modern Art
We will examine the break that avant-garde painting produced in relation to tradition. Studying this transition serves to discover new solutions in the use of colour and matter, moving beyond the academic framework.Development of Style
Each student will be personally guided in the search for their own pictorial voice. This journey will unfold through ongoing comparison with the technical and compositional choices of the masters of modern and contemporary art.Who is it for?
The course is open to:
- Beginners and advanced artists: Perfect for those looking to learn or refine realistic oil painting techniques.
- Art materials enthusiasts: Ideal for those who want to deepen their knowledge of materials and painting techniques.
- Creatives seeking new directions: Excellent for those wishing to explore a personal and ever-evolving artistic language.
Course Program
- Introduction to oil painting: Its characteristics and potential.
- Proportions and head anatomy: Foundations for accurate representation.
- Visual composition: Fundamental principles for organizing the pictorial space.
- Color: Mixing and thoughtful use to create harmony and realism.
- Light and volume: Chiaroscuro techniques to build three-dimensionality.
- Portrait and self-portrait: Creating works that capture expression and personality.
Pietro Geranzani - Instructor
Pietro Geranzani is an internationally renowned artist, born in London in 1964. A summa cum laude graduate of the Ligustica Academy of Fine Arts in Genoa, he has exhibited in prestigious solo and group shows, including the Venice Biennale, with his works featured in museum collections such as MART.
With extensive teaching experience, Geranzani has led workshops and seminars at esteemed institutions such as the Brera Academy of Fine Arts. His artistic practice and career offer invaluable guidance for those wishing to immerse themselves in the art of expressive oil portraiture.
Practical Information
- Day: Saturday
- Duration: 12 lessons, each 3 hours long
- Level: Open to beginners and advanced artists
For questions, to request more information or to book your spot, please contact us at: info@milanopaintingacademy.it
