Classes
Join Me
I offer a unique opportunity to delve into the art of painting in a supportive and intimate environment. My classes run in semesters: fall through winter and winter through spring which run for 15 weeks each. Enjoy a shorter summer session for approximately 8-10 weeks.
With a limited group of five students, each participant receives more personalized instruction on the theory of painting, focusing on still life and self-portraits. I'm excited to help you discover your artistic voice and make lasting memories through your creativity.
Fenway Studios
Located in the heart of Boston, my studio space is in Fenway Studios which is a National Historic Landmark building. With North facing 12 foot windows, it provides an ideal space to paint and create.
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Address: 30 Ipswich Street, Boston, MA 02215
Theory of Light and Form
Tom Ouellette teaches how to draw and paint in oil in a naturalistic manner following a classical structured program. Students learn the Four Stages of completing a painting: charcoal drawing, frottis or open grisaille, ébauche, and finis. Materials and techniques used by the old masters are introduced as needed, including stretching and priming canvas, transferring drawings, and mastery of the brush.
Students work independently on art exercises specifically designed to target particular skills, progressing from basic to complex principles. Beginning with simple objects in monochrome, students learn to see the values between light and dark. Then working from sculpted antiques, or casts, their eye is trained to see the values of complex forms. Students learn color and design as they compose and paint their own still lifes. Finally, they complete a self portrait. The methodical discipline of this step-by-step structure gives students the control that inspires confidence. Each student learns at a pace that he or she finds comfortable
depending on level of skill and experience. Individual interests and needs are addressed.
These classes are suitable both for beginners and experienced artists who wish to improve their skills.
Limited to five students. 15 weeks.
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$895
Portrait Painting
Painting a portrait from life is probably the most difficult endeavor the realist painter will have to face. In a figure painting, a slight error in proportions can be explained as a normal variation in human anatomy. After all, the people who view the finished painting, will not have the model to compare it to, as a rule. But with a portrait, a normal variation in human anatomy just won't cut it, as the audience for the portrait is generally well aware of what the sitter looks like. A thorough knowledge of the anatomy of the head is essential as well to inform the painter as to which muscles contribute to a particular expression. Students will be expected to execute a series of self-portrait drawings outside of class.
A controlled palette for flesh is taught along with the four exercises to hone the student’s mastery of color. The advantage of this system, particularly for new students, is that the structure of this program keeps them on track. Students know where they are and how to proceed and can 'go back' a step or two without starting over. Their focus is guided and this gives more accurate and faster results.
Three models will each take the same pose for five 3-hr classes.
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For the first night, Mr. Ouellette will give a lecture and demonstration of the anatomy of the head, and will discuss the process for mixing the controlled palette. For continuing students, who are already familiar with these processes, there will be a model available.
Limited to 5 students. 15 weeks.
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$995
Prefer one-on-one? $120 hour for private session
Let’s Create Together
Get in touch so we can start working together.