The Academic method of the 19th century produced some of the world’s greatest artists, from the Neo-classical masters to the Impressionists. This course teaches the fundamentals of the Zorn palette, grey scale values, the color wheel and how to create and complete a master copy using techniques that have been passed down for centuries.

The image shown is an example of a “Boceto” the Italian word for study.
It’s a great precursor to an old master copy.

Painting the master copy in both a study as well as with the zorn pallette develops the ability to see shapes and proportions accurately, how to build color and value, as well as the classical techniques of master artists. You will exhibit the progression of technique building that have been passed down from master to student for centuries.

This class will develop the accuracy of painting skills, the ability to correctly judge and paint values, and finesse transitional tones and edges to give the painting the illusion of three-dimensions.

The three main objectives of this class:

1. Create a grey scale and color wheel and chart using the Zorn palette

2. A master Boceto in both black and white and color using the zorn palette

3.A still life or apple from life, with colors within the zorn palette, or an old master copy


These are essential skills to have in your tool box as you move forward to painting
portraits, still life, illustrations, etc.