Celebrated artist Seth Haverkamp to lead May Portrait Painting Workshop

(March 30, 2016) – Carson-Newman University will host “Learning to Paint by Learning to See: A Portrait Painting workshop,” May 9-13.

The intensive 5-day workshop will be led by celebrated visiting artist Seth Haverkamp. The event will give valuable insight as students concentrate on representing a portrait through large shapes with an emphasis on a simplified approach to creating a likeness.

Students will also have the opportunity to work from a live model, learn how to achieve many different “flesh” colors with few colors on a palette, and examine the similarity between painting from life and from photographs. Participants will also explore how to paint the color of the light as an important aspect to painting realism.

A resident of Washington, D.C., Haverkamp is a 2003 graduate of Carson-Newman. He also studied at Cleveland Institute of Art and Memphis College of Art. He has also studied with internationally known artist Nelson Shanks at Studio Incamminati in Philadelphia.

“We are fortunate to be able to welcome Seth back to his alma-mater for a one-week intensive painting workshop that will showcase his ability to relate his craft to aspiring painters,” said Julie Rabun, chair of the University’s Art Department. “His work demonstrates an ethereal beauty and true mastery of portraiture and is a testament to his ability and passion as an artist.”

Haverkamp’s honors include 2008’s Best in Show at the Portrait Society of America’s International Portrait competition. In 2011 he was a finalist in the Art Renewal Centers International Competition. He is the recipient of the 2013 “Peoples Choice Award” in the Portrait Society of America’s International Portrait Competition, as well as “Top Honors” in the same competition in 2013 and 2014.

The workshop will run from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. each day. Cost for the five-day event is $695. Participants’ paints, brushes, canvases and other materials are included. Space is limited.

To register email: seth.haverkamp@gmail.com

Click to view a gallery of Haverkamp’s portrait work.