Workshops

These popular one or two-week intensive programs on diverse subjects are taught by Studio Incamminati instructors and other outstanding artists personally selected by Nelson. Offered throughout the year, workshops allow artists to build upon their knowledge and skills.

The Art of Still Life
Carlo Russo
June 17 - 21
9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
$550

This five-day still life painting workshop is dedicated to working directly from life. Each student sets up an individual still life arrangement and works on it throughout the week. The instructor discusses and demonstrates his approach, in various stages, to creating his paintings. Subjects discussed include the sight-size method for drawing/painting, composition, object selection and determining the optimum format for the subject, materials, etc.

Students first do a pencil drawing of the still life set up. They then transfer the drawing onto canvas and complete a thin underpainting, gradually moving to thicker paint over the next few days until they complete a finished painting. The instructor does daily demonstrations to help the class achieve a thorough understanding of the process and techniques involved. All levels are welcome.

Guest Instructor Carlo Russo earned third place in the Figurative Category of the Art Renewal Center's 2012/2013 International Salon Competition. Another of his works was a finalist in the competition's Still LIfe category. Carlo exhibits regularly at the Anderson Gallery in St. Simons Island , GA and has shown his work in galleries in NYC , Long Island, Laguna Beach, CA and Santa Fe. His paintings appear in private collections in the US, Canada , Europe and Asia. collections.

See Carlo's work at www.carlorussoart.com

Plein Air Painting
Patrick Connors
June 24 - 28
9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
$599 Includes $50 materials for most materials supplied by instructor

Students investigate the delightful practice of painting outdoors or plein air painting along the banks of the Schuylkill River in Fairmount Park, Philadelphia. Each student works on one painting in the morning and one in the afternoon, advancing his or her drawing and painting skills as they resolve their paintings. Throughout the five days, artists receive one-on-one critiques and group reviews. At week's end, each artist will have two sustained oil paintings and two oil sketches. The instructional emphasis will be classic oil painting techniques for plein air: Principles that pertain to the appropriate palette of colors, grounds, and composition.  Several demonstrations will be given: at the beginning, middle, and end of the workshop.

The vistas of the Schuylkill Valley have long been an inspiration to the artists of the Philadelphia School of landscape painting. For scores of artists, such asThomas Eakins, William Rush, Walter Steumpfig, Ben Kamihira, and Stuart Shils, the banks of the Schuylkill have offered a subject matter worthy of personal interpretation. Class is limited to 12 students

Workshop location : Each morning, students meet at Studio Incamminati then travel to the painting destination in Fairmount Park, approximately 3 miles from the school.

Guest Instructor Patrick Connors is an accomplished plein air painter who teaches in Philadelphia, Manhattan, and Rome. American Artist Magazine, November 2012, featured an article on his teaching and paintings in Rome. His painting, “After a Storm,” was awarded an honorable mention in the Plein Air Salon National Competition. His work is in private and public collections here and abroad.

See Patrick's work at www.connorsfinearts.com

Alla Prima Figure
David Shevlino
June 24 - 28
9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
$599

Focusing on painting the figure alla prima (wet into wet), the workshop explores techniques used to create a looser, spontaneous response to our subjects and take advantage of a slow-drying medium to keep the paint fresh and workable. An initial demonstration is followed by students working on their own and learning to interpret and simplify their subject by focusing on basic shapes and forms as described by masses of color/ light and shadow. Learning to simplify what we see allows us to paint our subjects with greater clarity and to use our brushwork with greater economy.

Guest Instructor David Shevlino is a graduate of the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts and the University of Pennsylvania.  He has had several solo exhibitions ofhis work in NY galleries and in cities throughout the U.S.  His work has been featured in American Artist Magazine, American Art Collector, The New Yorker, New American Paintings and The Artists' Magazine.  

See David's work at davidshevlino.com

Emerging Artists
For high school students serious about art

Portraiture in Color Study
Rebecca Tait
June 24 - 28
9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
$399

This workshop focuses on the anatomy of the human head, neck, and shoulders, as students explore in-depth bones and muscles that affect the portrait artist's work. Human skulls also are used as students explore all stages of portraiture from posing the model to sketching studies and painting in oil from a live model. Principles of color theory are taught as artists are trained to “see,” not “think,” color and learn the warm and cool effects of light and its value relationships. By combining this colorist approach with understanding of head structure, young artists gain a solid foundation in oil portraiture.

Guest Instructor Rebecca Tait received a 2009 Certificate of Excellence from the Portrait Society of America. Her work has won numerous awards including an award of honor at the Catherine Lorillard Wolfe Annual Juried exhibit in New York City and the 2008 Biennial Contemporary American Realism at the Fort Wayne Museum of Art Exhibition. Rebecca, who was an instructor under Nelson Shanks, paints and teaches at her private studio, Studio at Glen Gables, Laurel Springs NJ.

You can see Rebecca's work at www.rebeccatait.com

Intensive Painting
Lea Colie Wight
and Studio Incamminati instructors
July 15 - 26
9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
$1,200

This two week workshop explores the foundational elements of full-color painting through the figure. Instructors guide the students through the building blocks of full-color painting by using the skills taught in the four year curriculum at Studio Incamminati. 

The students are introduced to the preliminary gesture which the solid masses of light and shadow are built upon.  To judge and adjust color relationships, color study exercises are taught and time is given to the understanding their goals and implementation in full-color painting. Value studies explore the concept of turning form through value in addition to the overall value relationships in a painting.

The workshop's second week affords time to practice and expand on the exercises designed to strengthen the student’s ability. Finally, on the workshop's final days, the skills introduced in the workshop's first phase are brought to the opening stages of full-color painting through longer poses.  The goal is for the student to come away with a working approach to building a painting.

Includes painting demonstration by Nelson Shanks and a visit to Nelson and Leona Shanks's estate and Nelson's private studio.

Teaching Fellow Lea Colie Wight received a 2011 Certificate of Excellence and 2010 and 2009 Honor Awards from the Portrait Society of America as well as several awards from the Greenhouse Gallery of Fine Art 2009 Salon International. Her work also was accepted into the 2011 Oil Painters of America National Exhibition. Lea was selected to teach at American Artist magazine’s “Weekend with the Masters Intensive: New York City” and she was on the faculty of the 2012 and 2011 Portrait Society of America’s annual conferences

See Lea's work at www.leawight.com

Still Life
Kerry Dunn
July 29 - August 2
9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
$550

This workshop explores the building stages of a painting from start to finish. The constant subject and light source, make still life deal for this type of study.

The first day, students set up individual still-life arrangements and execute painting thumbnails to determine the composition. Day two, students begin their final painting which they have four days to develop. For 90 minutes at the start of each class, the instructor works on a demo painting. For the rest of the class, he teaches at the students’ easels. The first painting stage consists of the initial grisaille where drawing and proportion are strictly observed. Subsequent stages move into the full color block-in where abstract value and color relationships are established and adjusted.

The larger-to-smaller shape principle is observed as students move through this process. In addition, class discussions center on the concept of light on form, establishing value and color parameters, edge development, paint handling, focal points, and determining when a work is considered complete. Students leave with a completed painting, enhanced skills and a deeper understanding of essential concepts. Beginner, intermediate and advanced painters are welcome. Some basic experience is beneficial.

Visiting Instructor Kerry Dunn earned Best in Show in the Portrait Society of America's 2013 International Portrait Competition. He received a Certificate of Excellence from the society in 2009. His works have been exhibited in numerous group exhibitions and hang in numerous collections.

See Kerry's work at www.kerrydunn.com

Form Painting with the Figure
Steve Early
Darren Kingsley
July 29 - August 2
9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
$650

Learn the principles essential to transform abstract flat shapes into fully dimensional forms and create a sense of light on the figure. Students concentrate on painting the figure with a full range of values and developing the ability to make accurate value calibrations. The focus is on structure, anatomy, proportion, light direction, edge conditions, abstract movements through the figure, composition and an understanding of form on the figure.

These concepts are executed through an application of opaque and semi-opaque paint in the light and shadow areas. This also enables the student to develop painting skills such as scumbling, feathering, and texture. Control of the paint is a priority and is essential to achieving required goals.

Guest Instructor Darren Kingsley's paintings hang in the collections of Lucasfilm Ltd., the film production company founded by Star Wars creator George Lucas, and The Union League of Philadelphia as well as numerous private collections.

See Darren's work at www.darrenkingsley.com

Teaching Fellow Stephen Early was chosen as one of “12 Artists to Watch in 2012” by American Artist magazine. He earned an Exceptional Merit award in the Portrait Society of America’s 2012 international competition and was a faculty member at the society’s annual conference. He also garnered Certificate of Excellence awards in the society's 2010 and 2008 competitions. Steve was one of four studio artists chosen by Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia for Face to Face: The Craniofacial Program Portrait Project. His art was selected in the George Lucas book project “Star Wars: Visions.”

See Steve's work at www.stephenearly.com

Exploring the Portrait Through Anatomy
Rob Liberace
August 2 - 4
9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
$425

Anatomical understanding has a powerful influence on creation of the human form. This class focuses on the beauty and complexity of anatomy with a special emphasis on the portrait. The class is divided into two parts: the morning involves a detailed exploration of the bones and muscles of the face along with ecorche drawing. The afternoon focuses on applying this information with limited palette portrait painting.

Guest Instructor Rob Liberace is equally accomplished in drawing, painting, and sculpture. His work is displayed in numerous collections including the Arnot Museum of Art and the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. His commissions include portraits for Marc Pachter, long-time Director of the National Portrait Gallery and George H. Bush, Sr. 

See Rob's work at www.robertliberace.com

Chalk, Pen and Ink, Metal Point
and Pastel Drawing in Theory and Practice
Dan Thompson
August 5 - 9
9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
$599

This workshop offers the opportunity to learn about a variety of traditional drawing materials in an intense life-drawing environment.  Students learn to prepare their own paper for individual lessons throughout the week.  The first session is devoted to the study of metal point drawing. Session two focuses on historical pen and ink drawing. Session three emphasizes red chalk. Session four explores red and black chalk. Session five features drawing in pastel. A more complete grasp of an array of drawing techniques aims to provide students with valuable context.

Includes Red Chalk Demonstration
6 - 9 pm
Aug. 7

Guest Instructor Dan Thompson, whose work is included in the book “Star Wars: Visions,” has garnered numerous awards and his work has been included in many exhibitions. He is a founding member of the Grand Central Academy in New York and has held teaching positions at Parsons The New School for Design, The New York Academy of Art, and the Water Street Atelier. 

See Dan's work at danthompsonart.com

Advanced Portrait
Kerry Dunn
and Studio Incamminati instructors
August 12 - 16
9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
$699

Experience the progressive study of Studio Incamminati's Professional Program in a concentrated form.

This workshop is for experienced painters who work closely with instructors as they move through all the stages of developing a painting. Students review fundamental concepts with experienced instructors who offer personal instruction and guidance through all stges. Students are taught to understand the importance of relating planes of value and relating the main color mases. In additon, students learn to build on these fundamentals through the stages of a painting. Students progress from strong "block-in" to developing specific areas of the painting. Instructors also emphasize understanding the effects of light and color on the human form as well as modeling values with color.

On the first day, students work with shorter poses. During the final four days, students get a total of 24 hours of long-pose portrait work. These longer poses enable students to ut workshop stages and concepts into practice.

Visiting Instructor Kerry Dunn earned Best in Show in the Portrait Society of America's 2013 International Portrait Competition. He received a Certificate of Excellence from the society in 2009. His works have been exhibited in numerous group exhibitions and hang in numerous collections.

See Kerry's work at www.kerrydunn.com

Save $200.
Register for both Advanced workshops, pay just $1,200.

Advanced Figure
Stephen Early
and Studio Incamminati instructors
August 19 - 23
9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
$699

Experience the progressive study of Studio Incamminati’s Professional Program in a concentrated form.

This workshop is for experienced painters who work closely with instructors as they move through all the stages of developing a painting. Students review fundamental concepts with experienced instructors who offer personal instruction and guidance through all stages.

Students are taught to understand the importance of relating planes of value and relating the main color masses. In addition, students learn how to build on these fundamentals through the stages of a painting. Students progress from strong “block-in” to developing specific areas of the painting. Instructors also emphasize understanding the effects of light and color on the human form as well as modeling values with color.

On the first day, students will work with shorter poses. During the final four days, students get a total of 24 hours of long-pose figure work. These longer poses enable students to put workshop stages and concepts into practice.

Includes painting demonstration by Nelson Shanks and a visit to Nelson and Leona Shanks's estate and Nelson's private studio.

Teaching Fellow Stephen Early was chosen as one of “12 Artists to Watch in 2012” by American Artist magazine. He earned an Exceptional Merit award in the Portrait Society of America’s 2012 international competition and was a faculty member at the society’s annual conference. He also garnered Certificate of Excellence awards in the society's 2010 and 2008 competitions. Steve was one of four studio artists chosen by Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia for Face to Face: The Craniofacial Program Portrait Project. His art was selected in the George Lucas book project “Star Wars: Visions.”

See Steve's work at www.stephenearly.com

Save $200.
Register for both Advanced workshops, pay just $1,200.

Art Educators for 2013
For high school art teachers
Natalie Italiano

Portrait Painting:
Open and Closed Grisaille
July 8 - 12, 2013
9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
$550 ($350 rate for Art Educators)

This workshop presents principles essential for the portrait artist: construction of the head, simplifying masses of the head into basic planes, anatomical landmarks, breaking the portrait down into simple values, and the mechanics of light on form as applied to the head.

All of the exercises will be done either monochromatically in a brown paint (grisaille), or with a limited palette of colors as the student learns to build forms with relative values in the lights. The art educator will come away with specific exercises to develop his or her skills and the skills of their students. The exercises will develop from short “gestures” of the head to a 6-9 hour portrait.

Portrait Painting:
Closed Grisaille into Color Study
August 5 - 9, 2013
9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
$550 ($350 rate for Art Educators)

The Closed Grisaille into Color Study Portrait Painting workshop builds on the concepts taught in the first portrait workshop, but focuses on developing a portrait in limited and full color. The exercises presented the first morning will review what was covered during the previous week, to ensure that new students are prepared for the continuing exercises. The focus is on developing a closed grisaille or “duo-tone” into color. The concept of “color study” will be presented with progressive demos and handouts, and the student will have the opportunity to develop a portrait over a 2-3 day period into a color portrait.