Build a Portrait Frida Kahlo-Style with Gouache

In the eyes of the Masters: Build a Portrait Frida Kahlo-Style with Gouache | One Day 4-Hour Workshop | Saturday February 24th, 2024 | 12:00pm-4:00pm | $80 + tax | 

Frida Kahlo’s self-portraits were filled with symbolism. In this class you will build a portrait using a photo of yourself, a friend, or a pet. Symbolic images will be available as reference, or you can bring your own.

Learn how Gouache has the vibrancy of watercolor and the forgiveness of acrylics. No experience required. Your result will be a fun, stylized portrait reminiscent of Frida Kahlo’s unique style! 

What to consider when choosing your portrait image:

• Bring a photocopy of a selfie, photo of your friend, or pet. Be sure that your image has their face and/or eyes directly looking at the camera. Be sure to size your face and/or pet to scale to an 8 x 10” page. For example: a 1” tall face will be too small. Make sure the FACE alone is 3 – 4” tall.
• Bring reference images (photocopies work well) that are personal, significant to the person or pet you are painting, or specific to New Mexico. All images must be large or small enough to fit on an 8 x 10” sheet of paper.
• The image of the face or pet must be larger than all the other images. Copy shops can help you size your images if you do not know how. Your images do not need to be in color –  black and white will work well. We will also have images for symbols and backgrounds available for reference.

Level: All Levels

Materials to bring:

• Bring a photocopy of a selfie, photo of your friend, or pet. Make sure the FACE alone is 3 –  4” tall.
• Photocopies of symbols and objects you want to incorporate in your portrait.
• One sheet of 8 x 10” (or larger) white watercolor paper (140lb or 300lb) – a watercolor block is fine OR One sheet 8 x 10” black (or larger) 140lb Stonehenge paper
• One sheet of watercolor paper for swatching and testing gouache colors
• IF you are using white watercolor paper: a pencil (bring whatever hardness you like to use when pre-sketching on watercolor paper)
• IF you are using black paper: a white charcoal pencil
• 1 Fine Point and 1 Ultra Fine Point black waterproof Sharpies
• Eraser (your preference re: type. – Stephanie uses a Gum eraser)
• 2 Flat and 2 Round Brushes watercolor brushes, 1 small and 1 medium of each. Example: Flat size 2 & 6 and round size 1 & 6 or 2 &  8 (Just bring what you have and/or feel comfortable using.)
• 1 small tube of white gouache – DESIGNER gouache
• Spray Bottle for water
• A ruler
• Paper towels

Optional: Something for a palette. We’ll bring paper plates, but feel free to bring your own palette, plate or butcher tray.

The following items will be provided by the instructors for in-class use:

• Professional Artist’s Designer Gouache by Winsor & Newton: Participants will receive a mini palette for in class use with the following colors: Permanent White, Cadmium-Free Lemon, Permanent Yellow Deep, Winsor Red, Alizarin Crimson, Cobalt Blue, Ultramarine, Permanent Green Light, Burnt Sienna and Jet Black. 
• White masking tape
• Tracing Paper
• A variety of printed images for reference
• Paper plates (for palettes)

NOTE: Please feel free to bring your favorite paints or brushes.

Iconic Symbols of New Mexico to consider:

Yucca – Roadrunner – Red and Green Chile – Piñon Tree – Pinto Beans – Turquoise – Flowers – New Mexico Cutthroat Trout – Insects – Raven/Crow

New Mexico Whiptail Lizard – Hot Air Balloons – Silver Jewelry – Bear/Coyote/Wolf – Adobe

• Bring Your Own Materials
• Max Students: 15
• No Refunds after Tuesday February 20th
• Please park on Maclovia Street between Artisan and Autozone – Please DO NOT park directly behind our building