Overview
In this workshop, students will focus on all things portraiture, from the basics to advanced techniques. Students may choose to draw, paint, or both. We will study great portraits from art history, practice quick painting and sketching, discuss the form and structure of the facial features, and work from a life model.
Workshop objectives
*Study portraits and techniques of the Old Masters
*Practice gesture portraits and quick sketches
*Understand proportions of the big form and small forms of the head
*Refine details of the face (nose, eyes, lips, etc.)
*Develop a broader coloristic and tonal vision of the portrait
*Draw or paint a full portrait from the live model
Date: Aug 29, 2026
Time: 10 am to 4 pm
Price: $200/180 (includes model fee)
Materials – Students may use any medium they prefer, including graphite pencils, charcoal, oils, acrylic, watercolor, gouache, or pastels.
A $75 fee will be charged for all workshop refunds due to a withdrawal. Refunds will be given up to one (1) month prior to the workshop start date. Thereafter, norefunds will be given, unless the ESAC cancels the workshop.
Refund Policy
- A $75 fee will be charged for all workshop refunds due to a withdrawal. Refunds will be given up to one (1) month prior to the workshop start date. Thereafter, norefunds will be given, unless the ESAC cancels the workshop.
Chris Murray
Instructor
"The work I create is a juxtaposition of tradition and modernity. My oil paintings are inspired by the techniques of the old masters intertwined with subject matter attempting to capture the essence of the human condition. My visual conceptualizations are themed around human interaction, whether the settings are mythological, historical, or modern." Christopher R Murray is an oil painter, illustrator, and educator based in the Southeastern US. His style combines the techniques and traditions of the old masters with modern cultural and literary influences. He works in oils, charcoal, and ink. Murray attended The University of South Alabama and The University of West Florida where he studied Painting and Art History. He lives in Rosinton, AL with his partner, twin sons, and daughter. Recent Awards and Accomplishments: BEST IN SHOW, 'The Artist's Wife and Twins' - Eastern Shore Art Center Member's Show, 2021, BEST IN SHOW, 'Priestess II' - Mobile Arts Council Member's Show, 2021, BEST IN SHOW, Daphne Jubilee Festival, 2023, 2nd Place, 2-D - Ballyhoo Festival, Gulf Shores, AL, 2022, Chamber of Commerce Award - Ballyhoo Festival, Gulf Shores, AL, 2022, 3rd Place, 'Penitent Magdalene' - Mobile Arts Council Member's Show, 2022, 2nd Place Overall - Jubilee Festival, Daphne, AL, 2022, Competing Artist in Mobile Arts Council's annual fundraiser, 'The Throwdown,' 2022, Participating Artist in Mobile Contemporary Arts Center's youth arts fundraiser, 'Neu Dawn,' 2020-23
