HIGH SCHOOL PROGRAMS
PORTRAITURE: SIMPLIFYING THE FACE
2.5 hours (can be tailored to suit your time constraints)
Do your students struggle with portraits? In these fun and informative workshops, I share my step-by-step process to simplify the face and make portraiture more accessible in the classroom. Addressing key areas of stages 4, 5 and 6 of the syllabus, students will learn technical strategies and conceptual frameworks.
Workshops cover:
Proportion and how to break the face down into basic shapes;
The fundamentals of tone and colour mixing;
Interpreting meaning in a portrait.
What does it include?
Workshops begin with a short Powerpoint presentation about my practice, including ‘work in progress’ images and time-lapse videos showing various artworks coming to life. You’ll receive a copy of this presentation.
This is followed by a portrait demonstration where I discuss laying the foundations of a portrait. You’ll be given this sketch for the school’s collection.
Students are then given the opportunity to create their own work, experimenting with drawing, acrylic washes, impasto painting and glazing. I’ll provide students with a reference image to work from and individual feedback, as well as an information sheet to take home at the end of the class.
Workshops are designed to push students out of their comfort zone while strengthening their confidence, observational skills and analytical thinking.
PARENT AND TEACHER LIFE DRAWING CLASS
3 Hours
Specifically designed for parents and teachers, this class provides a unique opportunity to strengthen bonds within the school community. Working from a live model, participants will share in the experience of capturing the human form. Classes usually run between 5-8pm, and begin with a series of short poses that progress into longer poses throughout the evening. Accompanied by wine, music and nibbles, I demonstrate a range of approaches to rendering the figure, while providing individual feedback in a relaxed and fun environment.
ARTIST IN RESIDENCE PROGRAM
1 Week
As Artist-in-Residence, I set up my studio in the art department at your school and transform into a Human Library – open for workshops, demonstrations and talks. Throughout the week, students will see an artwork come to life as I create a specialised piece for the school’s collection, while sharing and exchanging knowledge with the school community.
The program involves, but is not limited to:
Workshops, presentations and demonstrations with various year levels;
A focus on stage 6 students to improve their conceptual strength and resolution of their work;
A professional practice workshop, sharing my personal experiences in the arts industry;
Parents and teachers life-drawing evening;
Q&A/assembly presentation.
ABOUT ME
I’m a Sydney based artist who combines technical skills with analytical thinking. I specialise in the human figure, but also paint landscapes and still life. While my practice is grounded in realistic techniques, I incorporate conceptual frameworks and have a particular interest in identity in the digital age. I am an early-career artist, and am represented by Flinders Lane Gallery in Melbourne and Lethbridge Gallery in Brisbane.
I completed a degree in psychology in Adelaide before winning a scholarship to study at Sydney’s Julian Ashton Art School. I’ve also studied at the New York Academy of Art, The Los Angeles Academy of Art and Grand Central Atelier in New York., and have been the recipient of numerous art prizes.
I have several years of teaching and presenting experience, delivering workshops across Australia, including The Art Gallery of Western Australia. In 2019, I was Artist in Residence at St Patrick’s College Strathfield and Champagnat Catholic College Pagewood. I tutor regularly at Sydney Art School, and I’ve also appeared on the award winning podcast ‘Talking With Painters’ and ABC Morning Breakfast.
TESTIMONIES
“You were amazing, not just with your work, but how you relate to people, young and old. It was such a wonderful experience for all involved. And of course the paintings are superb.”
“I was an absolute pleasure having you, the boys were so impressed and loved the experience of having you in their classrooms.”
“I want to say a huge thank you for all your expert guidance, your encouragement, your support and the friendship that has come with it.”
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
I charge $100 per hour for workshops and life drawing classes, and $5000 for the week long ‘Artist in Residence Program’.
WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THAT COST?
Workshops:
Preparation, materials for demonstrations, overheads and insurance, all correspondence and meetings, printed reference materials and presentations and artworks created during demonstrations.
Artist-in-Residence Program:
All of the above, plus the following:
An original artwork for the school’s collection;
All preparatory sketches;
Parents and teachings life-drawing class.
WHAT EQUIPMENT DO YOU NEED?
Powerpoint access, whiteboard, easels and a dedicated workspace for the Artist in Residence Program.
DO WE NEED TO ARRANGE A ‘LIVE MODEL’?
No, I can arrange a live model for an additional cost.
WHAT MATERIALS DO THE STUDENTS NEED?
Students will need their own materials for workshops. I suggest charcoal, canvas, and a limited palette of acrylic paints including yellow ochre, cadmium red, ivory black and raw umber.
For Life Drawing, participants just require willow charcoal, eraser, paper and a drawing board/easel.
DO YOU HAVE INSURANCE?
I have Public and Product Broadfrom Liability Insurance up to $20 million, and Professional indemnity Insurance up to $5million.
DO YOU OFFER BESPOKE OR TAILORED WORKSHOPS TO SPECIFIC NEEDS?
Yes. If you have a particular topic you would like me to focus on, I am able to create a bespoke workshop to cater to your needs. Areas to consider are specific features in the face, colour mixing, tone, fabric, hair and symbolism.
If you have any additional questions, please feel free to contact me on michaelsimmsart@gmail.com or give me a call on 0431 102 562,