Nationally renowned realist painter Andrew Bonneau is returning to Umbrella to offer a 3-day Oil Painting Masterclass – join him in our gallery space and develop a single painting from life! This is a unique opportunity to study portraiture with the Archibald Prize and Doug Moran Prize finalist.

Participants will work from a life model for the entire workshop, with an emphasis on accurately observing and depicting the model. From an initial 'block in' with graphite, attendees will develop a refined drawing, which they will transfer to canvas to begin painting. Over the course of the three days, all aspects of the process will be discussed and demonstrated. This will include proportion, anatomy, perspective, conceptualising the model in relation to the light source, modelling form, colour theory and paint handling.

Please note that participants should attend all three days to ensure the completion of their painting. This workshop is best suited for artists with painting or drawing experience from life; however, all levels of experience are welcome and encouraged to participate. Easels and chairs will be provided but drawing and painting materials will not be included. Participants must source and bring the materials listed here: Portrait Oil Painting Materials List.

Light refreshments, tea and coffee will be provided. Please note that there will be a 45-minute lunch break on each workshop day (lunch will not be provided by Umbrella).

Limited to 12 spaces (ages 18+). | Bookings close 4pm Thursday 20 July 2023. | This workshop will take place in Umbrella’s gallery at 408 Flinders St (next to Mary Who? Bookshop and opposite Woolworths) during regular opening hours when Umbrella is open to the public. | Visitors must comply with Umbrella’s COVID-19 Safety Plan and directives. All bookings subject to workshop and public programs booking policy. 

Andrew Bonneau earned his Bachelor of Fine Arts at The National Art School in Sydney and later studied at both The Charlie Sheard Studio School and the Julian Ashton Art School. To connect more fully to the disciplines of traditional drawing and painting, he studied for three years under Jacob Collins at the Grand Central Academy of Art in New York. His subject matter ranges from portraits, figures, still life and landscapes, and his work is characterised by the unique perception and delicacy he brings to each of these genres.

Andrew has been selected as finalist for many national painting awards, including the Adelaide Perry Drawing Prize, the Stanthorpe Regional Gallery Art Prize, the Benalla Nude Art Prize, the Percival Portrait Prize and the Shirley Hannan National Portrait Prize. He has been twice selected as a finalist for the AME Bale Travelling Art Scholarship and three times for the Moran Portrait Prize.  He was recently selected as a finalist for the Archibald Prize for 2017 and has been commissioned by the National Portrait Gallery in Canberra.