Course Description

Helene Schjerfbeck (1862–1946) was a Finnish modernist painter, celebrated as one of the most original voices in Nordic art history. She is a treasured icon in Finland and only recently has she begun to get recognition worldwide. Schjerfbeck’s career spanned over 60 years, with her painting style ranging from traditional realism to minimalist modernism. I was first drawn to her stunning and original portrait work but when I saw her still life work that is what I knew I wanted to study more and share with you. When I look at the progression of Helene’s art I see the editing out of everything that is not needed to showcase only what must remain.

Join me for a two part live Zoom art workshop where we will study the still life work of Helene Schjerfbeck. We will begin with a brief history of Helene and her work and then study her marks. We will do multiple studies in graphite and charcoal followed by works in pastel and oil pastels. Part two of the workshop will focus on creating gouache painting (feel free to use acrylics or watercolors too) of one of the still life references.

This is a live Zoom art workshop that will be held on Saturday, March 21st, 2026 from 10am – 12pm and 2pm – 4pm. If you are not able to make all or parts of the live session please note that the session will be recorded high res, edited within 24 hours and be up within your classroom to watch at your convenience. All edited sessions are downloadable, high res, and include closed captioning.
 

Techniques Taught

• Brief history of Helene Schjerfbeck
• Additional resources lessons with articles, movies and books
• Studying Helene’s process and marks
• Studies in graphite and charcoal
• Studies in pastel and oil pastel
• Painting in your choice of watercolor, acrylic or gouache. Jeanne will be using watercolor and gouache.
• Using Helene’s still life works as reference