The Portrait Society of Canada is offering both members and non-members the opportunity to participate in exclusive master artist workshops in Toronto. Yuqi Wang, Frank Tonido, Juan Carlos Martinez and Dan Everett Thompson will lead separate 2-day workshops through to December 2005. All workshops take place in an intimate studio at the Toronto Arts and Letter Club facility.
The workshops offer the following excellent opportunities for students and portrait artists:
- Seeing a master artist at work
- Receiving personalized instruction from a master artist
- Seeing the process of other artists
- Experiencing an intensive painting workshop
- Opportunity to improve skills
The first master workshop session with Yuqi Wang on September 26 and 27, 2005 was a resounding success. Tucked away on the 3rd floor studio of the Toronto Arts and Letters Club, fifteen overjoyed portrait artists enjoyed 2 days with the master artist.
The first day of the master class with Yuqi Wang involved each participant blocking-in the portrait followed by completion of the basic painting. The second day allowed the participants to refine their portraits and to add detail and highlights. The design of the course allows each participant to progress from their existing skill level.
Here is what some of the workshop participants had to say:
I chose to take this course with Yuqi because he has training in the classical method from China. He is very versatile. If Yuqi were to return for another session, I would definitely take another course from him! - Michael Steinhauser
Yuqi is a master at what he does. His style crosses the divide between east and west; it is disciplined but loose. I was looking for a balance for myself and I believe that I am going in the right direction with this workshop. - Birte Hella
What attracted me to this course was Yuqi's style. I want to learn some more of his techniques, especially the way he uses colours to create the 3 dimensions. I am definitely learning from his colour techniques. - Iris Sheilds
Yuqi is a wonderful artist. I admire his work, we share a favourite artist: Rembrandt. We are privileged to have him here with us in Toronto. I want to improve and I am doing my best! - Peggy Seed
I missed Yuqi's demonstration at the last Portrait Festival. I wanted to see him paint! I love his work , he is so painterly. This is a great opportunity to get together with other artists and it is so inspiring to see how others paint. I like the fact that I am learning more about colour and about how other artists approach a portrait. Seeing a painting evolve from start to finish is great. - Valda-Christie Glennie
I was a judge at last year Portrait Festival. I was so impressed by Yuqi, particularly because he has such openness to all artistic expression. His book is filled with adventures from the springboard of this own technical ability and the use of his imagination. I like to be associated with someone like that! - Jim McDougal
Clearly, this is a unique opportunity for portrait artists to develop their techniques in an intimate and enjoyable atmosphere under the guidance of a master artist. Limited spaces are still available for the 3 upcoming workshops. See the Portrait Society homepage for registration details.
