Capturing the Spirit - Animal Painting

Learn tips and techniques with artist Karen Harman to capture the essence of an animal in your painting! Join professional artist and tutor Karen Harman for a one-day workshop exploring the art of capturing real character in animals. At each workshop we will use a new reference image to create an original piece of art in the class. You are also encouraged to bring along your own clear animal photograph too. Karen will discuss a second portrait you would like to achieve from your own reference photograph, offering advice and guidance so you can start creating your own portrait at home after the class. If you have been to a previous Capturing the Spirit workshop but fancy another day revisiting the techniques and creating a new animal portrait, please come along! Karen will demonstrate techniques in translating the texture, form, and personality of animals onto canvas. Instead of getting bogged down in hyper-realism, the focus is on blocking in major shapes and painting with energy and spontaneity to produce a portrait full of life. With demonstrations and plenty of hands-on practice, you’ll be amazed by what you can achieve in just one day. What You’ll Learn: See in Simplified Shapes: Break down complex animal anatomy (ears, muzzles, eyes) into basic geometric forms Master the "Dark-to-Light" Method: Build structural depth by blocking in deep shadow values first, preventing your painting from looking flat. Paint with Directional Flow: Understand how to follow the natural growth patterns and contours of an animal’s coat to imply 3D volume. Capture the "Spark of Life": Step-by-step techniques for capturing the true personality of the animal, including glassy eyes. Mix Organic Color Palettes: Move away from "out-of-the-tube" blacks and whites to mix rich, warm structural tones, shadows, and highlights. Do I Need Experience? It is suitable for any budding artist looking to level up their portrait painting technique, bring your curiosity and a willingness to experiment. About the Tutor Karen E Harman is a Yorkshire based artist, born and raised near Keighley. She has painted all her life and has a degree in Illustration. She also teaches BTEC Art at Shipley College. Her work spans murals (AKA Happyclanger), portraits, collage and digital illustration. However in the last two years she has concentrated on animal art, producing her trademark ‘side eye’ dog and cat portraits. She has exhibited at The Craft House, HEART cafe, Saltaire Festival, Ilkley Manor house and many other Yorkshire venues with the professional art group Aire Valley Arts. What to Bring All materials and tools are included in the price of the workshop. Please wear garments you don’t mind getting paint on. Cost £80 per person - includes materials and equipment use.