Anatomy of a Portrait, with Carol Petretti

Presented by the Cultural Center of Cape Cod on Friday April 5 from 12:30-4:30 and Saturday April 6, from 10am-2pm. Have you tried to draw or paint portraits from life but found the process to be intimidating? Do your portraits lack depth and dimension? If this sounds like you, this workshop may give you some direction and problem-solving skills. In this two-day intensive workshop, we will meet for 4 hours each day. On the first day, there will be a discussion and review of the anatomy and proportions of the human skull as the foundation for the structure of the facial features. We will also briefly cover the anatomy of the neck and shoulders. Later participants will use this information to make charcoal drawings from a live model starting with the skull. The second day will focus on the role of light in depicting the three-dimensional portraits. There will be a further discussion of facial features. Participants who are confident with paint will produce a limited-palette portrait from the live model. Those who prefer to hone their drawing skills may choose to produce a charcoal and chalk portrait on toned paper. As we are concerned with rendering three dimensional masses, participants should have mastered basic drawing skills and be able to confidently identify elements of light, shadow, cast shadow and reflected light. $128/$112 for members. Register at www.cultural-center.org or call 508-394-7100. The Cultural Center is located at 307 Old Main Street in south Yarmouth.