fine art

This workshop will cover the basics of portrait painting. Instruction will be with a model, the best way to paint a portrait!

It’s time to get past the rush to get paint on the canvas. There is more to painting the likeness of a person than just getting the technical details exactly correct. Setting up the model means getting that person in their comfort zone allowing their expression to capture their essence. A well planned portrait includes the environment of the sitter as it relates to the person’s character.

This workshop will focus on how to see the person and translate that seeing onto the canvas in front of you.

This workshop is useful for both beginning and intermediate painters. Some painting experience necessary. Group and individual instruction provided, with demonstrations throughout; emphasis on oil painting, all media welcome.

Instructor: Seamus Berkeley as an international award winning painter and portrait specialist with studios in Berkeley, CA and Taos, NM.

Please see materials list for suggested supplies – some easels are available.

Convenient bicycle friendly Berkeley location, bus stops within 2 blocks and available street parking.

Please register online now—class is limited to 12 students.

For more information, call 510.984.4143 or email.

“Seamus prioritizes his passion for painting and teaching in his life, and his commitment to making good art shows in his ability to convey complex concepts to his students of a variety of skill levels.” ~Workshop participant

Seeing the World Anew

“I want to know one thing. What is color?” Picasso

This five day retreat will be a contemplative experience at my studio in Taos, New Mexico, where participants will have time to seriously refine the act of seeing. The many art and meditation sessions will focus on creating from real life, where you will have the time to cultivate an awareness of what it is, exactly, that you want to put on the canvas.

The benefits of a meditation practice can influence not only your artwork, but can also affect your mindset and countenance on a daily basis: from calming your mind, to lowering blood pressure and affecting how you interact with people. By combining guided meditations with art sessions, you will have time to create a calm, restorative space in which to meditate. Establishing this intentional practice will help facilitate a clear, rejuvenated mind before embarking on a new artistic experience for the day. In this way, you will discover how taking the time to contemplate what you are seeing can have a profound effect on what you depict on the canvas.

Picasso once asked, “I want to know one thing: what is color?” While this retreat may not answer this for you, what it could do is help you take that which you see, and better transfer that to the canvas without letting preconceptions prevent you from fully expressing the reality of a subject. By introducing mindful contemplation into your art experience, you can emphasize the beauty and simplicity of seeing without words.

Each day will include a morning meditation, followed by art sessions as well as contemplative walks in order to see how the previous sessions might affect your perception of the world around you.

Locally prepared vegetarian lunch included.

Details:

Outline of a typical retreat day:
8:30-9:00 Optional yoga
9:15-9:45 Morning meditation
10:00-10:30 Perception exercise
10:30-12:30 Introduction and beginning of day’s artwork intention
12:30-1:30 Lunch Break
1:30-2:00 Walking meditation
2:00-4:00 Artwork in the studio with individualized instruction
4:00-4:30 Wrap up and reflection

*Some timing and topics might be adjusted to meet participant needs

Please register online now—class is limited to 12 students.

Taos, New Mexico is a unique locale known for its deep spirituality. The Taos studio is located within walking distance of the Neem Karoli Baba Ashram as well as the Taos Plaza, Harwood Museum, Taos Art Museum at Fechin House and Taos Art Supply.

Seamus Berkeley has practiced meditation for almost as long as he has been painting. At a young age, his interest was spiked by mentors exposing him to self-awareness practices which include meditation as a compatible, grounding routine. Berkeley has regularly continued a self-guided practice and study of conscientiousness and contemplation as well as non violent communication. Currently, he attends talks given by Anam Thubten through the Dharmata Foundation at Point Richmond Station.

Special rates for retreat participants can be found at Taos Lodging. Please contact Lovey Jo Supple at 575.751.1771 or info@taoslodging.com.

Please see materials list for suggested supplies – some easels are available.

For more information, call 510.984.4143 or email.