The mindful approach of the masters supersedes frivolous rules and rote learning
Marvin Mattelson's approach to portraiture is based on the idea that creating an illusionistically life-like painting requires far more than merely copying what lies before you. It requires the knowledge of how to modify what you see to create a portrait that is more real than real. You will learn how the great masters utilized their OI (Old Master's Intelligence) to create the illusion of three-dimensional reality on a two-dimensional surface.
This workshop covers the same basic material as Marvins eleven-week Saturday painting course, but in a far more intense and immersive environment. The ability to pick up where you left off from the previous day, with no loss of momentum, combined with the longer hours, gives you the opportunity to truly reinforce the methodology, and experience tremendous artistic growth. Depending on your schedule, setting aside two weeks, with minimal outside interruptions, may make the most sense.
Sound strategies for getting a good likeness, for modeling and turning the form, and for finding an efficient and repeatable way to mix the subtle nuanced colors of life will be addressed in great depth. You will learn how to think strategically, and make informed decisions regarding what to modify in order to create a more enhanced illusion of reality. Marvin will cover materials and their usage as well as best practices for archivally sound artwork.
I had reached a stumbling block in my painting and knew I needed more instruction, so I took an intensive portrait workshop in NYC with Marvin Mattelson, an award winning portrait artist. He gave me a better understanding of light, color, and form, and taught me how to bring more life to my paintings.
Thank you so much, Marvin Mattelson! Your workshop was life changing!
The juxtaposition of objective observation and subjective interpretation are the keys to mastering a truly classical realist approach to painting. Marvin breaks down the painting process into a logical progression based on the student's specific intent.
Marvin feels the most effective way to teach is by demonstrating and explaining each and every step of his methodology. He utilizes the latest in high-definition live streaming technology for his online teaching academy. By using multiple cameras and computer interactions, students are able to view never-before-possible close-ups of his demos. During the workshop sessions Marvin will be demonstrating and explaining the following:
Over the years I’ve taken workshops with some of today’s most recognized painters and enjoyed the experience of meeting those artists. I was always searching for the right tube of paint, or series of brushes, or magical medium that would take my efforts to the next level.
And then I met Marvin.
He is teaching me the wisdom of Michelangelos’s quote: "A man paints with his brain, not with his hand" (or miraculous art product). The result is I am seeing my work go to the next level by learning the power of putting the right shape, in the right place, at the right time. And with the virtual museum tour he has curated, he continues to help me understand the inseparable potential of hue/value/chroma. I thought I understood these elements, but Marvin has lead me beyond the superficial or obvious.
All this is taught in his interactive, online, front-row-seat classes and workshops offered year around. It’s an amazing setup that you have to experience to comprehend its extreme value. I’m a “repeat offender” as he affectionately calls all who continue to study with him. Marvin keeps gifting his students by sharpening their perceptions. I don’t want to miss what he will unpack next.
The notion that the only way to learn these skills is by working from live models, in a natural light studio setting, is far from the most efficient. (That's not to say working from life is bad. It's actually fun and helpful but it's a terrible way to initially develop your skills.)
Marvin will demonstrate and explain the following:
• Making your painting appear more real than life.
•The integration of the Old Masters' Intelligence algorithm.
• How to achieve greater accuracy in your drawings.
• How to establish value relationships.
• How to easily identify, and repeatedly mix any color quikly.
• Preparing and using the Mattelson Flesh Palette.
• The appropriate use of opaque and translucent paint layering
• How to light and photograph your subject.
• Proper use of materials and how to achieve technical virtuosity.
Models move and take frequent breaks so painting time is limited, the color of the light changes, and most students can't hear or see, and thusly benefit, from their teacher's critiques of their fellow students. If and when, the teacher actually does demonstrate (usually in silence), the students are too far away to actually observe what is being done or how colors are being mixed,
If and when, the teacher actually does demonstrate (usually in silence), the students are too far away to actually observe what is being done or how colors are being mixed, If you miss a class for any reason, too bad! Worst of all, it requires additional time for traveling, not to mention expenses.
Fortunately, none of these factors come into play in Marvin's Virtual Atelier. Each class is available for 30 days following it's broadcast date if scheduling prohibits you from the live presentation or you just want to review the class. Obviously, this is not possible in a live class. Additionally, Marvin provides each student with an excellnt color-corrected, high-resolution, perfectly lit photo to use, in lieu of a live model.
Observe Objectively, Interpret Subjectively & Modify Accordingly
Marvin will work one on one with each of his students when he's not demonstrating. Marvin has created a multi-camera high-resolution broadcast virtual studio where he utilizes the latest digital technology to critique and evaluate students' work. A big advantage of on screen learning, as opposed to a live classroom setting, is that he's not limited to merely explaining how to correct your portrait. Now he can show you what to do while your painting remains intact. Plus, each student now has the opportunity to profit from everyone's feedback, not just their own.
If you really want to learn to paint the figure, the methods you learn by studying with Marvin are invaluable. He is extremely knowledgeable about the craft of painting and breaks down something so extremely complicated into something simple and easy to digest. Studying with him for two years during my undergrad, gave me a solid foundation of information and a methodology to approach the figure. This way I know that no matter what I paint in the future, I have what I learned of value, hue, chroma, and different methods and techniques to create turning, space, and accuracy with my drawing to pull from. It gave me the confidence to push what I thought I was capable of and to take on bigger and more ambitious figure paintings.
Marvin's teaching is not a simple cookie cutter approach. Every class is tailored to the unique needs and abilities of his attending students. Where appropriate, Marvin will reference a wide variety of digital slide presentations, including lectures on lighting, color theory, photo reference, and composition. During each course, Marvin leads his students on his eye opening, Virtual Museum Tour, where he will meticulously analyzes and break down some of the greatest masterpieces ever created, explaining how they employed the very same concepts and methods which you are being taught.
Marvin not only trained me to paint from life (something I had only done once before), he taught me to see life. He instructed me to look objectively, without cognitive bias, and then to draw and paint what I saw. He brought order and process to my painting, something I had never been taught. And he shared with me the tools to capture the illusions of reality, or as he calls them, the “weapons” to create life-like painting.
Marvin will also include digital slide presentations covering a wide range of subject matter, including lectures on lighting, color theory, photo reference, and composition, which he will reference throughout the course. He will lead his students on a virtual museum tour, where they will have the unique opportunity to closely examine some of the greatest paintings ever created. Marvin will analyze and meticulously break down these masterpieces while elaborating on how they inspired him to formulate his unique approach.
Regardless of your level of experience and acumen, whether you're a beginner or a seasoned pro, this class is designed to be a transformational experience. For more information please click on the following links to learn about Marvin's teaching methodology and his Virtual Atelier. If you want to take your work to a whole new level contact Marvin Mattelson to register.
Marvin is now available for mentoring, coaching and portfolio evaluation. To arrange for a one-to-one session, please fill out the contact page form and he'll get back to you ASAP with the details.
