London Drawing Group is holding an online portrait class featuring the techniques and styles of Mexican painter Frida Kahlo on Thursday, June 25 from 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm British Summer Time (BST).
The event titled “Frida Kahlo Online: Self Portraits and Symbolism” is open for people of all ages who are interested in the life, works, techniques and symbolism of the legendary artist.
“This class will be a chance to explore one of Frida’s favourite mediums of self expression; the self-portrait, and is an amazing introduction to the perfect way of staying creative at home,” the event brief says.
“No other artist has taken such advantage of the medium of self-expression offered by the self-portrait, her paintings ooze personal suffering, triumph, love and tragedy through a simplicity and frankness often interwoven by complex symbolism.”
For portraits, students will either use a mirror or work from another person during the online class, which will be exploring “personal symbolism.” They will also be offered a brief overview of Kahlo’s life, the techniques and styles she pioneered, along with a series of specially designed exercises based on Kahlo’s personal way of working.
London Drawing Group tutor Luisa-Maria MacCormack will be guiding the participants, while she draws and paints with them.
Needed materials are:
- Paint/ink: Acrylic, gouache, watercolor or ink
- Pencils for drawing on top: Pastel pencils, watercolor pencils, drawing pencils
- Brushes
- Paper that will not warp too much when you paint on it
- Plants/flowers to draw from, or pictures of them
- A few objects that have personal meaning to you for the “symbolism” part of the class.
If you can’t find these materials at home, you can just drop an email at londondrawinggroup@gmail.com to ask for advice.
There is no fixed fee for joining the class, however, participants are encouraged to pay what they can afford in donation (minimum suggested amount is £8 / $9.89). A Zoom link will be included in your confirmation ticket.