Special Workshop: Figure Drawing & Painting with Lucas Bononi – Academic Expressionism

In this intensive five-day course, students will work from the live model to develop figure drawing and painting studies within an academic expressionism approach. The main goal is to explore how academic principles of form construction, combined with composition based on dynamic symmetry, can enhance a more expressive and personal artistic language.

The course focuses on understanding form as an essential structural element, conceived as a “sculpture” of volume in relation to light. Through demonstrations, analysis, and practical exercises, Lucas Bononi will address topics such as anatomy, the physics of light, optics, and compositional design principles based on dynamic symmetry.

Students will learn to balance rigorous observation of the model with expressive decision-making, developing strategies to construct solid three-dimensional figures without losing spontaneity or artistic intent. The exploration of a personal visual language within a strong academic framework will be encouraged.

The instruction will include full demonstrations of the drawing/painting process, as well as individualized guidance and in-depth personal critiques. Lucas will work closely with each student to help clarify what they wish to communicate in their work and how to translate that vision effectively into visual form.

Instructor:
Lucas Bononi is a New York-based artist whose practice sits between academic realism and contemporary expression. His training combines classical figurative study with a deep engagement in abstract art over the past decade, integrating both approaches into his work. His focus is centered on the construction of form, composition, and the relationship between structure and expression. He regularly teaches across the United States and Europe, offering workshops dedicated to the development of each artist’s personal voice within a strong technical framework.

Please note that materials are not included. A detailed materials list will be provided along with the confirmation email.

Special Workshop: Portrait Drawing in Trois Crayons with Patrick Byrnes

In this five-day workshop artists will make portrait drawings from the live model in short and long poses using the technique of trois crayons: red, black, and white dry media on paper. Dating to the Renaissance, gaining prominence in 16th century France, and continuing in popularity today, trois crayons has been exploited to masterful effect by artists such as Parmigianino, Rubens, Boucher, Watteau, and more recently Anthony Ryder and Robert Liberace. Typically, black is used for the construction lines, shadows, and cold tones, red for the warm tones, and white for the highlights. Instruction will include a comprehensive demonstration from start to finish, as well as in-depth personal critiques with a particular focus on cultivating an organized, rational process. Two distinct steps will be emphasized throughout: building an accurate linear block-in, then interpreting values, hues, and chromas to effectively to create a sense of sculptural form and a strong aesthetic point of view. Cranial anatomy, color theory, materials, line quality, resolution/abbreviation, edges, and the physics of light will also be discussed throughout the course. Beginning to advanced artists are welcome; instruction will be customized to all levels of experience.

Instructor bio:
Patrick was born in Busan, South Korea in 1984 and raised in La Grange, Illinois. He earned his undergraduate degree in Art History and English from the University of St Andrews in 2006. Patrick moved to New York in 2010 to train under Jacob Collins at Grand Central Atelier; upon completion of his studies, he worked as a principal instructor in the atelier’s full and part time programs. In 2017 Patrick relocated to Paris, France, where he now lives and works, while traveling regularly throughout Europe and North America to offer short form workshops. His paintings and drawings are exhibited at galleries in New York and Massachusetts. www.patrickbyrnespaintings.com | www.instagram.com/armstid

Please note that materials are not included. A detailed list of materials will be provided along with the confirmation email.

The BAA offers an intensive 5 week highly specialised course in drawing and painting, based on the academic methodologies of the great masters of 19th century painting.

It is specially designed to take students of all levels through a series of different exercises aimed at developing their observation skills and precision in drawing and painting, learning classical and academic methodology. Beginners are welcome to this course.

The course focuses in a complete, specific way on the drawing and painting of the human figure, portrait, working from a natural model, and on a theoretical basis, students will learn how to use the Sight-Size method, proportion, gesture, and important anatomical points. They will also learn to understand chiaroscuro and colour management based on the reduced palette of Zorn and Velázquez.

This course is complemented by enriching subjects in the programme such as landscape painting.

The course is an adaptation of the regular full-time programme offered by the Barcelona Academy of Art and includes the main and most important points to work on in just 5 weeks.

Aims

• To learn how to use the Sight-Size method.
• To train the gaze to be rigorous.
• To acquire a procedure for carrying out an analytical study drawing.
• To work on the concepts of chiaroscuro and tonal value.
• To learn the basic concepts of anatomy, gesture and proportion.
• To acquire a procedure for carrying out an analytical study painting.
• To learn about the reduced palette and its use and mixtures.
• To learn about the landscape palette.
• To learn the process of making a portrait.
• To learn the strategy to follow when developing a project.
• To learn the principles of composition.

NOTE: To apply for our 5-week intensive course at the Barcelona Academy of Art, we kindly request the submission of a portfolio. It should include artistic pieces that you hold dear, whether they are photographs, videos, drawings, paintings, sculptures or other visual creations. Consider it a representation of your artistic identity, and please don't hesitate to include works that truly resonate with who you are and what you're passionate about. This portfolio serves as a means for us to gain insight into your prior creative works and skills and it plays a crucial role in helping us assess your current level. This evaluation allows us to place you in the most appropriate group, ensuring that you receive the instruction and guidance best suited to your abilities and needs.

Portrait Sculpture course, based on the figurative tradition of the great masters.

This course will focus on the process of constructing three-dimensional portraits using clay. Through various methods of observation, we will carefully attend to proportions, gestures, internal structure, allowing us to closely approximate the likeness and expression of the model, capturing the essence of the portrayed individual.

Clay is included; however, tools and other necessary materials are the responsibility of the student. A detailed list of materials will be provided along with the confirmation email.

Working from a natural model is essential to understanding the structure and gesture of the human figure, and to train one’s capacity for observation according to classical-academic methodologies. Modelling the human figure provides a solid sculptural basis, focusing on the development of basic handcrafting skills.

This course is an introduction to figurative sculpture. By working with live models, nude in contrapposto, students learn to interpret nature through traditional techniques. They start by learning how to shape the model and pay attention to subtle changes in posture. Contrapposto poses are the most appropriate to get an understanding of the anatomy and variety between relaxed and tense muscles.

After an introduction to the academic techniques for modelling the human figure, students will begin to sculpt a figure at half its natural size, using an additive method, where they will construct the shapes slowly through three-dimensional drawing. They will observe the model from a distance and focus firstly on the overall impression and accuracy of the proportions and gesture, before moving on to modelling the shapes and other details. The first step is understanding the relationship between the box (pelvis) and the egg (the rib cage).

Clay is included; however, tools and other necessary materials are the responsibility of the student. A detailed list of materials will be provided along with the confirmation email.

2-Week Portrait Oil Painting Course: Rooted in the Figurative Tradition of the Great Masters.

Through a combination of live model sessions and theory instruction, you'll develop the skills needed to capture the likeness, proportions, gesture, and unique expression of each subject with precision and artistry.

We will begin with an introduction to the course, followed by practical sessions of drawing with pencil and white chalk. You will learn to master the basics of portraiture, from detailed observation to the application of drawing techniques to capture form and light.

We will explore the technique of grisaille and the application of color, exploring different approaches to achieve realistic and expressive effects. Through long poses, you will have the opportunity to refine your skills while working on capturing the essence of the model.

Please note that materials are not included. A detailed list of materials will be provided along with the confirmation email.

Human Figure Drawing and Painting course, based on the figurative tradition of the Great Masters.

At the Barcelona Academy of Art, we consider drawing the most important element and starting point for any artistic development. In this course, students initially focus on developing a sketch, practicing, and applying the knowledge of pose, gesture, proportion, and precision. First using charcoal and later moving on to oil painting, the students will work from a life model, alternating long poses and short poses with a theoretical basis.

Week 1:
Introduction to the course, followed by pencil drawing sessions (short poses)
Chiaroscuro techniques
Principles of values theory
Transfer drawing methods
Long pose drawing sessions with live models

Week 2:
Introduction to painting techniques
Color theory
Sketch painting
Long pose painting sessions, concluding with a comprehensive final critique

Please note that materials are not included. A detailed list of materials will be provided along with the confirmation email.