The Oil Portrait - Getting the WOW Factor | Lyn Diefenbach

There is the option to rent the oil colours and solvent should you need to for $40

One Stretched Canvas – approx. 16 x 20 inches (40 x 50cm) for the portrait.

All students will receive Lyn's Portrait Drawing video 2 weeks before the class commences. This will be available for students to access for two weeks. Come to the workshop with your portrait drawn.

Do you want to create portraits that breathe character and life? Portraits that convey a presence? Let Lyn show you how…

The workshop covers all aspects of portraiture, focussing on capturing a good likeness.

Included in your workshop is a FREE video introducing you to the fundamentals of technical know-how valued at_ $30._

• Please come with your portrait pre drawn for class, we will spend time at the beginning of the class helping you with any adjustments. If you are totally overwhelmed, trace it :)

Once you have booked in, please log in to your student portal to see the free video from Lyn that you must watch before coming to the workshop. THIS IS ESSENTIAL VIEWING!.

What will I learn?

You’ll learn how to manipulate relationships of line, tone, colour and edge to infuse your work with dimensionality and impact.

Lyn’s workshop will enable you to work on your own individual subject. Enjoy clear, informative demonstrations and individual attention at your easel.

One portrait will be done from a photograph of your choice. Learn how to use a photograph as a painter’s tool and to go beyond its limitations. The techniques that you learn in this class will keep you in good stead when painting from life.

Who is this course suitable for?

This workshop is suitable for all skill levels

What do I need to bring?

Materials List

Canvas:

** Please come with your canvas stained with a thin wash of raw umber (oil with a lot of solvent) **

** This needs 2 days to dry before the workshop starts**

Oil Colours – Winsor & Newton Artist quality or equivalent:

Burnt Umber, Raw Umber, Cadmium Red, Cadmium Yellow

Titanium White, Ivory Black, Alizarin Crimson

Naples Yellow, Yellow Ochre, Sap Green, Prussian Blue

Other Brands:

Winton Soft Mixing White

Old Holland Red Umber

Art Spectrum Cobalt Violet

Schmincke Burnt Ochre Light (previously known as Flesh Tint)

Brushes:

Rosemary & Co Filbert Series 276, Sizes 6,8,10 & 12 OR

Art Basics series 877KF Sizes 6, 8, 10 & 12 (pre order a week before the workshop)

For drawing the portrait and for fine detail, please bring a round pointed brush

NB: Lyn uses soft brushes, not bristle. You are welcome to bring your own favourites.

Miscellaneous:

Paper Towels

Large Palette (eg white painted MDF) approx 18 x 24 inches

Odourless Solvent

Pastel Pencil - Burnt Sienna

Mixing Palette Knife (metal)

Archival Classic Medium

Photographs for Portrait:

Make sure these have excellent clarity, a good play of light and dark and are large enough to work.

from. If you are using computer printed photos, use photo quality paper NOT PLAIN.

You are welcome to bring your Ipad/tablet.

Access to table easels and stand-up easels are available at Bienarté

Pre orders of canvases available from Bienarté

What is provided?

• Easels, tabels and chairs
• Tea and coffee (you might like to bring your own cup)
• A friendly, supportive and encouraging learning environment
• Connection to the Bienarté art community

Student Feedback

Lyn, thank you so much. You have given me a gift that will last a lifetime

**…opened a whole new reality of seeing things **

A great inspiration and a great teacher

…Not only is her work beyond words, but Lyn's caring personality, and approach to life equals her work…

Thank you so much for such a wonderful informative class. Your teaching was so clear and easy to follow.

Many thanks for your generosity, patience, humour and talent

Thank you for your generosity in passing on skills and knowledge. Truly inspirational

Useful Information

For Visitors FAQs

About the Artist

What has Lyn been up to in 2024!

I don’t think my feet have touched the ground this year. In summary:
. 4 international conventions - 2 on the ground, 2 online
. 7 international online demonstrations (often at obscure hours)
. 4 judging gigs that I remember
. 2 major commissions in oil (one huge!)
. 59 (ish) days teaching, 5 more to go
. Award of Excellence at the International Association of Pastel Societies Convention
. Selection for International Guild of Realism Exhibition in US
. First professional teaching video released internationally
In between I’ve somehow managed to find time to produce over 30 paintings – studio work, plein air. And I’ve kept up my journals because too much painting is never enough!