Inspired by the important figures in the exhibition Fighters for Freedom by William H. Johnson Picturing Justice, this adult workshop looks deeply through the pursuit and pure essence of portraiture. Widely acclaimed artist, Charles Edward Williams, will lead workshop participants in key concepts including working from historical photographs and techniques such as the planes of the head, light & shadow, shapes, values & edges, color mixing and temperatures from utilizing oil painting on mylar. These elements combined with studio practices and proper use of materials for example brush control, can access these portals of wonder, a journey to explore, and questions to investigate. It is in these moments of imagery we can provide our present world the deepest of context and partake in the visual memories for dreams, legacy, and influence to come to past.

Workshop participants will be provided opaque Mylar to work on as the painting support. A suggested materials list will be provided to workshop participants via email.

The visual proof, like photographs, are documentations that this was a moment in time where they lived, survived, and overcame. The shared visuals encapsulate moments standing still, and longing to breathe of those things hoped for, and now a glimpse of evidence seen, we hold as a memory for us to recall. As we hold the passage to resurgence, yet still precious, we can see the truth. More than just a memory, these truths aid us to step within the framework for who they are and possess their spirit as a human. – Charles Edward Williams