Art School: Life Drawing , Figure Painting, Portraiture

Painter Leo Neufeld is offering this unique class for one weekend this spring at Harwood Art Center. Students will explore the world of drawing and painting from the live model. This class will give students an opportunity to explore the principles of gesture, constructing the figure with the use of light and shadow, learning how to finish a drawing or painting, and how to use the materials. There will be group critiques and discussion. Leo invites you to come and experience some of these ideas handed down from the rich tradition of the masters to help one find their voice.

This class is open to all levels. Students will provide their own materials (a materials list is provided below).

Harwood's Art School classes will be held indoors at our campus near downtown Albuquerque. This class will be held in our "Dining Hall" space which will allow for social distancing between students.

This class will over two days, Saturday, May 21st and Sunday, May 22nd from 1pm until 4pm.

This class is appropriate for ages 16 and up (under 18 requires parent or guardian permission).

The class will be limited to 15 students.

All participants must provide proof of being fully vaccinated against COVID-19 in advance of the class.

(detailed list sent upon registration, basic information below - if you need the full details before registering please contact [email protected])

• A face mask* - all staff and attendees are required to wear a mask while on campus (indoors and outdoors)
• an easel

Painting Materials:

• Palette
• Oil paint
• Brushes
• Gamsol Mineral Spirits
• Liquin Medium
• Several Canvases (stained with terra rosa)

Drawing Materials:

• charcoal penicils
• soft vine charcoal
• 1 kneaded eraser
• 1 drawing board
• 1 newsprint pad for gesture
• Canson Mi-Tentes paper (off white for longer drawings
• 1 straight edge razor or knrife
• 1 stump
• 2 Bulldog clips

" I didn’t choose to be an artist. I feel compelled to do this work, like I was born to paint in the tradition of the Old Masters. The Old Masters are profound in their interpretations of life, and art provides a deeper, more meaningful way for me to connect with, observe, and interpret the world. In the act of creation, I feel connected to something greater than myself. This universal feeling transcends time and space.

Art is the divine line to God. Art is an expression of humankind and has been with us from the beginning of civilization. I believe this need for visual communication is part of a vital need to feel alive – to document life – and to be a part of the life around us. Art making provides a way of seeking truth. Art will always be with us. It is part of who we are. “

You can see more of Leo's work (and his resume) on his website>

Harwood is committed to providing accessible classes to our community. All Art School classes this spring will be offered on a sliding scale with subsidized, at cost, and community support options. If you are unable to contribute the subsidized amount, please reach out to Director of Education, Dani Belvin, at [email protected] to inquire about our limited scholarship opportunities.

• All staff and students must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and provide proof of vaccination to Harwood administration
• Masks * must be worn by all people on Harwood's campus - both indoors and outdoors
• Harwood Art Center shares a campus with Escuela del Sol Montessori School so follows all NMPED Guidelines

* Recent research indicates that, unlike with previous variations of Covid, cloth masks alone are not sufficient for mitigating the spread of Omicron. As such, Escuela del Sol and Harwood Art Center are asking staff to wear either a respirator mask (such as an N-95, KN-95 or equivalent) or a surgical mask paired with a cloth mask. We are recommending the same for you all to help stop the spread of this new variant.

If you have any additional questions, please reach out to Dani Belvin at [email protected]

Class Fee refunds will only be issued for cancellations received by email ([email protected]) or EventBrite's refund system at least one week prior to the start date of the class. Class Fees will not be refunded if the student withdraws from the workshop less than one week before the start date of the class or after the class has begun. If the class is cancelled by Harwood Art Center for any reason, the Class Fee will be refunded in full.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Harwood Art Center, 1114 7th Street Northwest, Albuquerque, United States