Week 3:

Finish your painting inspired by Alice Neel. Exaggerated proportions and colors are a plus! Allow yourself more freedom in your work, and you may be surprised to see how much more lively your artwork will feel.

Next week, we'll be studying Frank Auerbach's drawings.

Week 2:

Continue working on your piece inspired by Frida Kahlo. This piece may be one that you work on for multiple sessions; some pieces may take hours, days, even months until it's done and you feel satisfied with it. Give your piece the time it deserves.

Be open-minded with where your piece may take you. You can have an idea of where you want to go with your piece, but if a new idea pops up, consider it. Be receptive to new ideas that come from you or those around you. Keep your artistic antenna up - searching for motifs that can added to your painting.

Next week, we're studying Alice Neel.

Week 1:

Finish your Fayum-inspired portraiture if you haven't already. Don't forget to incorporate gold and add your highlights. Want to learn more about fayum portraits? Watch this short video made by the MET.

Remember: it's better to make a second painting rather than try to make your first piece perfect, especially if you've never painted in the Fayum style, and especially if you've never painted a self portrait before. Appreciate all that you've done already!

To prepare for week 2 where we'll by studying Frida Kahlo, think about what you'd like to paint about - is there a memory or event that made an impact on you? Kahlo paints in visual metaphors - what items will add to your narrative? What type of scenery do you envision - indoor, outdoor, both? Collect physical objects or photos of objects so you can paint from observation as much as possible.

Look at Frida Kahlo's self-portraits to inform yourself on how its possible to speak without words.