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.

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