COLOR & CHARACTER: ALLA PRIMA FIGURE PAINTING IN OIL

5 spots left

Answer the call to paint. In this small-group, high-interaction class, you’ll set out on an eight-week painting quest with Frank J. Stockton — a professional artist with over 20 years of experience — as your guide. Most sessions feature extended, three-hour poses with a live figure model, giving you the time and focus to create rich, expressive work. Together, we’ll journey from the first monochrome marks to the triumphant return to full-color with character-rich portraits — learning to paint with both discipline and daring.

The Skills You’ll Gain

Mixing more life-like color
Structuring and refining compositions that hold the eye
Creating the illusion of depth and atmosphere
Organizing your palette for clarity and speed
Drawing and painting in a single, confident motion

details

Duration: 8 Wednesdays
Dates: Oct 1 – Nov 19, 2025
Time: 9:30 AM – 2:30 PM (includes a 40-minute lunch + short breaks)
Capacity: 5 students
Location: Private studio in Sacramento, CA

cost

Early Bird – $300 (first two spots only — then $485)
Price includes model fee and light refreshments

overview

Each week we’ll work from live models and still-life, balancing observation with invention. The journey begins with monochromatic studies, moves through value structure, ventures into color mixing and multiple light sources, and concludes with the “return” — fully realized alla prima portraits under varied light. You’ll paint wet-into-wet, explore everything from dramatic chiaroscuro to diffused daylight, and make bold, confident color decisions. Through demonstrations and one-on-one guidance, I’ll help you translate what you see, think, and feel into vibrant paintings that carry both color and character.

who it’s for

Beginning painters comfortable drawing from observation
Intermediate to advanced painters eager to improve their portrait painting skills
All artists wanting to push their color & composition
Figurative painters seeking both rigor and play
Those ready to take their skills to a professional level

What to bring

Painting palette, Gamsol, oil paints*
6–8 painting surfaces (12 × 16 ideal)
5–6 big and medium natural hair rounds & filberts
Palette knife, painting rags, paper towels
Apron & disposable gloves
A 2oz dropper bottle with cap (for medium - optional)
Easel (studio easels available; bring travel easel if preferred)
Lunch

*The ideal palette of colors should include a warm & cool of each primary, titanium white, plus earth tones (yellow ochre, burnt sienna, and raw umber)

instructor’s palette

(All artist-grade oils by Gamblin, Winsor & Newton, & Utrecht)

Supplementary Colors

Cadmium chartreuse
Cadmium orange
Quinacridone magenta
Phthalo turquoise
Viridian
Sap green
Chromatic black

Core Pigments

Titanium white
Yellow ochre pale
Cadmium yellow light
Cadmium red light
Alizarin crimson permanent
French ultramarine
Prussian blue
Burnt sienna
Raw sienna
Raw umber

The journey (Weekly Breakdown)

Session 1 – The Call to Adventure – Monochrome: drawing with a brush
Session 2 – Crossing the Threshold – Black & white value study
Session 3 – Meeting the Mentor – Limited palette: earth tones
Session 4 – Into the Shadows – Limited palette, dramatic lighting
Session 5 – Chasing Rainbows – Color mixing 101
Session 6 – The Trial – Full palette, multiple light sources
Session 7 – The Reward – Ambient daylight
Session 8 – Return with the Elixir – Oiling out and drybrush
Make-up Session – Epilogue – TBD

About your guide

Frank J. Stockton is a Sacramento-based painter celebrated for bold color, dynamic compositions, and lively, from-life portraits. Trained in both illustration and fine art, he blends sharp observation with creative risk-taking. His work has appeared in Communication Arts, the Society of Illustrators, and New American Paintings, with solo shows in Los Angeles and Sacramento. With over a decade of teaching experience, he brings a mix of rigor and play to helping artists sharpen their skills.

Questions from Fellow Travelers (FAQ)

What if I miss a session?
A make-up session will be offered one or two weeks after the end of the class for those who missed a day.

Is there nude modeling?
Yes — primarily clothed/portrait poses; occasional nude sessions will be noted in advance.

Can beginners join?
If you have basic drawing/painting experience and are committed, yes. Email me if unsure.

Do you offer payment plans?
Your place can be reserved with a non-refundable $100 deposit. The remaining balance must be paid before the first class — email to arrange before registering.