Figure Unveiled (Online Course) Fall 2025 w/ Arash Mozhdekanlu
October 27 to November 27 (Mondays), 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM, Eastern Time
**All sessions are live and will be recorded, students do not have to be present. All recordings will be available to students for 3 months after the final session, after 3 months the recording will be deleted.
Please check your email spam/junk folder for your Zoom invite.
DEMO: https://youtu.be/aCXpLkZQ2qo
Course Description
Over the four weeks, participants will develop essential skills in figurative painting. The course begins with palette preparation and foundational sketches, progressing to layering colors to bring subjects to life. Each session combines expert instruction, practical exercises, and group discussions, all designed to enhance your understanding and refine your techniques in capturing the human form. Additionally, we will focus on the art of painting animals, such as dogs and cats, emphasizing methods to accurately portray their unique features and character. This course provides a professional environment for artists at all levels to advance their figurative painting skills.
Course Outline
Week 1: Subject Selection and Foundational Sketching
In the first week, we focus on the importance of subject selection and simplifying the design. Participants will learn how to choose a subject that enhances the emotion and atmosphere of the piece. We will also explore the impact of light and space on the design and how to simplify these elements in the initial sketch. This session includes exercises to strengthen sketching skills and establish a solid foundation for the next steps in the painting process.
Week 2: Palette Setup and Initial Color Application
In the second week, we prepare the palette and begin the initial color application. Participants will learn how to organize the palette and apply the base colors effectively. Starting with the right colors gives more control over the work and helps manage the overall process. This stage provides a strong foundation for adding subsequent layers of color and allows the painting to gradually gain volume and depth.
Week 3: Light, Shadow, and Building Depth
In this week, we focus on the role of light and shadow in creating depth and dimension in the painting. Participants will learn how to use appropriate lighting and shading techniques to add realism and space to their work. Additionally, we will begin a simple exercise in sketching and painting a dog or cat. This exercise helps participants practice new techniques for capturing animal forms and applying color to bring them to life in their artwork.
Week 4: Final Details and Refinement
In the final week, we focus on adding the finishing details and refining the work. Participants will learn how to enhance their piece with subtle details, improving its precision and realism. Techniques for refining color, shadows, and highlights will be discussed, helping to bring the work to its final, polished form. At the end of the session, each participant will have the opportunity to present their work and receive feedback from myself and the group, providing a comprehensive learning experience of the figurative painting process.
Course Materials List
Materials Recommended for the course:
Oil Paints: I primarily use Winsor & Newton and Old Holland oil paints. My palette includes Cerulean Blue, Burnt Sienna, Ultramarine, Cadmium Red, Magenta, and Viridian. However, I recommend participants use a palette they feel comfortable with, as a personal selection enhances learning and creativity.
Brushes: I prefer brushes with stiffer bristles (commonly referred to as "dry" brushes) as they provide more control and are well-suited for the techniques we’ll practice. I primarily use flat and filbert brushes in sizes 14 and 16, though note that brush sizes can vary across brands. For reference, size 16 is approximately 1.5 cm wide. Additionally, a larger brush around 2.5 to 3 cm wide is ideal for covering broader areas and laying in the initial layers.
Canvas: I use linen canvas with a fine texture for its smooth surface, which is well-suited for oil painting.
Medium: I use Winsor & Newton Refined Linseed Oil, which helps thin the paint and enhances its transparency.
Thinner: Turpentine is essential for cleaning brushes and maintaining their condition. Rags: Keep several rags handy to clean brushes and prevent color contamination during the painting process.
October 27 to November 27 (Mondays), 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM, Eastern Time
**All sessions are live and will be recorded, students do not have to be present. All recordings will be available to students for 3 months after the final session, after 3 months the recording will be deleted.
Please check your email spam/junk folder for your Zoom invite.
DEMO: https://youtu.be/aCXpLkZQ2qo
Course Description
Over the four weeks, participants will develop essential skills in figurative painting. The course begins with palette preparation and foundational sketches, progressing to layering colors to bring subjects to life. Each session combines expert instruction, practical exercises, and group discussions, all designed to enhance your understanding and refine your techniques in capturing the human form. Additionally, we will focus on the art of painting animals, such as dogs and cats, emphasizing methods to accurately portray their unique features and character. This course provides a professional environment for artists at all levels to advance their figurative painting skills.
Course Outline
Week 1: Subject Selection and Foundational Sketching
In the first week, we focus on the importance of subject selection and simplifying the design. Participants will learn how to choose a subject that enhances the emotion and atmosphere of the piece. We will also explore the impact of light and space on the design and how to simplify these elements in the initial sketch. This session includes exercises to strengthen sketching skills and establish a solid foundation for the next steps in the painting process.
Week 2: Palette Setup and Initial Color Application
In the second week, we prepare the palette and begin the initial color application. Participants will learn how to organize the palette and apply the base colors effectively. Starting with the right colors gives more control over the work and helps manage the overall process. This stage provides a strong foundation for adding subsequent layers of color and allows the painting to gradually gain volume and depth.
Week 3: Light, Shadow, and Building Depth
In this week, we focus on the role of light and shadow in creating depth and dimension in the painting. Participants will learn how to use appropriate lighting and shading techniques to add realism and space to their work. Additionally, we will begin a simple exercise in sketching and painting a dog or cat. This exercise helps participants practice new techniques for capturing animal forms and applying color to bring them to life in their artwork.
Week 4: Final Details and Refinement
In the final week, we focus on adding the finishing details and refining the work. Participants will learn how to enhance their piece with subtle details, improving its precision and realism. Techniques for refining color, shadows, and highlights will be discussed, helping to bring the work to its final, polished form. At the end of the session, each participant will have the opportunity to present their work and receive feedback from myself and the group, providing a comprehensive learning experience of the figurative painting process.
Course Materials List
Materials Recommended for the course:
Oil Paints: I primarily use Winsor & Newton and Old Holland oil paints. My palette includes Cerulean Blue, Burnt Sienna, Ultramarine, Cadmium Red, Magenta, and Viridian. However, I recommend participants use a palette they feel comfortable with, as a personal selection enhances learning and creativity.
Brushes: I prefer brushes with stiffer bristles (commonly referred to as "dry" brushes) as they provide more control and are well-suited for the techniques we’ll practice. I primarily use flat and filbert brushes in sizes 14 and 16, though note that brush sizes can vary across brands. For reference, size 16 is approximately 1.5 cm wide. Additionally, a larger brush around 2.5 to 3 cm wide is ideal for covering broader areas and laying in the initial layers.
Canvas: I use linen canvas with a fine texture for its smooth surface, which is well-suited for oil painting.
Medium: I use Winsor & Newton Refined Linseed Oil, which helps thin the paint and enhances its transparency.
Thinner: Turpentine is essential for cleaning brushes and maintaining their condition. Rags: Keep several rags handy to clean brushes and prevent color contamination during the painting process.
October 27 to November 27 (Mondays), 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM, Eastern Time
**All sessions are live and will be recorded, students do not have to be present. All recordings will be available to students for 3 months after the final session, after 3 months the recording will be deleted.
Please check your email spam/junk folder for your Zoom invite.
DEMO: https://youtu.be/aCXpLkZQ2qo
Course Description
Over the four weeks, participants will develop essential skills in figurative painting. The course begins with palette preparation and foundational sketches, progressing to layering colors to bring subjects to life. Each session combines expert instruction, practical exercises, and group discussions, all designed to enhance your understanding and refine your techniques in capturing the human form. Additionally, we will focus on the art of painting animals, such as dogs and cats, emphasizing methods to accurately portray their unique features and character. This course provides a professional environment for artists at all levels to advance their figurative painting skills.
Course Outline
Week 1: Subject Selection and Foundational Sketching
In the first week, we focus on the importance of subject selection and simplifying the design. Participants will learn how to choose a subject that enhances the emotion and atmosphere of the piece. We will also explore the impact of light and space on the design and how to simplify these elements in the initial sketch. This session includes exercises to strengthen sketching skills and establish a solid foundation for the next steps in the painting process.
Week 2: Palette Setup and Initial Color Application
In the second week, we prepare the palette and begin the initial color application. Participants will learn how to organize the palette and apply the base colors effectively. Starting with the right colors gives more control over the work and helps manage the overall process. This stage provides a strong foundation for adding subsequent layers of color and allows the painting to gradually gain volume and depth.
Week 3: Light, Shadow, and Building Depth
In this week, we focus on the role of light and shadow in creating depth and dimension in the painting. Participants will learn how to use appropriate lighting and shading techniques to add realism and space to their work. Additionally, we will begin a simple exercise in sketching and painting a dog or cat. This exercise helps participants practice new techniques for capturing animal forms and applying color to bring them to life in their artwork.
Week 4: Final Details and Refinement
In the final week, we focus on adding the finishing details and refining the work. Participants will learn how to enhance their piece with subtle details, improving its precision and realism. Techniques for refining color, shadows, and highlights will be discussed, helping to bring the work to its final, polished form. At the end of the session, each participant will have the opportunity to present their work and receive feedback from myself and the group, providing a comprehensive learning experience of the figurative painting process.
Course Materials List
Materials Recommended for the course:
Oil Paints: I primarily use Winsor & Newton and Old Holland oil paints. My palette includes Cerulean Blue, Burnt Sienna, Ultramarine, Cadmium Red, Magenta, and Viridian. However, I recommend participants use a palette they feel comfortable with, as a personal selection enhances learning and creativity.
Brushes: I prefer brushes with stiffer bristles (commonly referred to as "dry" brushes) as they provide more control and are well-suited for the techniques we’ll practice. I primarily use flat and filbert brushes in sizes 14 and 16, though note that brush sizes can vary across brands. For reference, size 16 is approximately 1.5 cm wide. Additionally, a larger brush around 2.5 to 3 cm wide is ideal for covering broader areas and laying in the initial layers.
Canvas: I use linen canvas with a fine texture for its smooth surface, which is well-suited for oil painting.
Medium: I use Winsor & Newton Refined Linseed Oil, which helps thin the paint and enhances its transparency.
Thinner: Turpentine is essential for cleaning brushes and maintaining their condition. Rags: Keep several rags handy to clean brushes and prevent color contamination during the painting process.