Painting from Photographs

About the Class

This is a fantastic opportunity to learn how to paint from photographs, guided by special guest instructor George Scribner, a renowned Disney Imagineer and accomplished painter. Over two days, you’ll benefit from George’s expert advice and practical techniques in a fun, supportive atmosphere, leaving the workshop with newfound confidence and inspiration. Whether you’re a complete beginner or have painting experience, this class is designed to welcome all skill levels.

Suggested Medium: Water-mixable oil paints (but feel free to bring acrylics or traditional oil paints if you already have them and are comfortable using them). Please view the Supply List to learn what to bring to class. Note: Easels are available in the studio.

This two day workshop is divided into THREE parts.

PART ONE. George will talk about what type of camera equipment he uses, including cell phones, still and video cameras and some things to look out for including taking photographs at night.

PART TWO. In the second part of the workshop he’ll talk about how to prepare the photo, either as a print or working from a computer image. In the workshop you’ll work from printed still images that will be provided. (If you have an image you’d like to paint from that’s fine.) You’re encouraged to try and work from a photo with strong lights and dark values and sufficient color information.

PART THREE. Will focus on the actual process of painting from the photograph including tips on transferring the image to your canvas. George will also cover probably the biggest problem working from a photo – Focus. Unlike a photograph, which is generally all in focus, the human eye sees roughly 20% in focus and the rest is peripheral vision and slightly blurred so the key is to paint like your eyes see and not what the photograph is telling you.

The workshop will begin with a short slideshow and a simple demonstration painting from a photo.

Note: There will be a one-hour lunch break each day. Bring a bag lunch or plan to grab a quick bite at a nearby location.

Class Materials List

Cass Syllabus

Instructor

George Scribner

I was born and raised in Panama City, Republic of Panama and in 1977 moved to Los Angeles to pursue a career in animation. I joined Walt Disney Feature Animation as a character animator in 1983.
I directed Oliver and Company, a full length animated feature that was released in 1988. I worked as a concept and story artist on numerous projects including The Lion King, Fantasia Continued and Dinosaur. I’m currently a contractor at Walt Disney Imagineering as a concept artist
and Animation Director.

For the last fifteen years I’ve been teaching painting workshops at numerous studios in the States and overseas, including Workshops in the Republic of Panama, Trinidad, Uruguay and Shanghai. I also teach ongoing painting workshops at Walt Disney Imagineering in Los Angeles.

https://www.scribnerart.com/
https://www.instagram.com/georgescribner/?hl=en

Location