Cast Painting
Once students have gained some proficiency in cast drawing, they then begin to paint the cast, first in black and white and then in full grisaille, starting by transferring a completed drawing onto the ground. Studies are done on both linen and panel, employing initial light or mid-tone stains on the first coat – the "imprimatura."
It is a feature of the program that students are exposed to a variety of different approaches. Some studies are begun by drawing with the brush. Some assignments include simplifying the value syncopation to help develop form-rendering skills without always having to rely on a full range of values. A study may take more of a mass approach similar to that taught by Thomas Eakins at his academy in Philadelphia. Thus in addition to learning how to render form, the student's understanding of method(s), materials and technique is broadened.
