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FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
We want everyone to be able to participate. If you need financial assistance, a 30% discount is available – just email us at team@azgourartgroup.com
WORKSHOP OVERVIEW
Join us at the West Portal Gallery in San Francisco for a dynamic, hands-on painting workshop designed to spark creativity, strengthen compositional instincts, and expand your visual language. This immersive five-hour session blends lecture, demonstration, guided painting time, and a supportive group critique – all in a small group setting limited to 10 participants.
RE-ITERATING AN IDEA: FROM CONCEPT TO CANVAS
This workshop guides artists through a structured, three-phase process for developing original paintings from photographic sources. Participants begin by evaluating three selected photographs—both conceptually and formally—to identify narrative potential, compositional strengths, and opportunities for transformation.
In the second phase, artists create three distinct drawn interpretations, each exploring a different direction through simplification, rearrangement, or expressive variation. These sketches serve as low-stakes experiments, encouraging fresh thinking and inviting unexpected solutions.
In the final phase, participants select one drawing to develop into a painting, using their study as a roadmap for color, structure, and emphasis. Through this iterative approach, artists learn to move beyond copying a reference and instead build a painting that reflects intention, clarity, and personal vision.
Instructor Michael Azgour will demonstrate key techniques—primarily in acrylic or oil—and guide each participant individually throughout the session. Artists are free to use any medium of their choice.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Instructor lecture and painting demonstration
Structured painting exercises with room for interpretation
Individualized guidance during studio work
Group critique and discussion
Insights into the instructor’s current projects as added educational context
A casual, energetic environment that encourages experimentation and growth
MATERIALS TO BRING
Painting materials: oils, acrylics, watercolor, or preferred media
1-2 painting surfaces toned with warm grounds (any size)
Drawing paper and drawing tools
Reference materials: multiple photographs to combine and reinterpret during the workshop
Tables and chairs are provided. Participants may bring their own easels (tabletop or freestanding) or work directly on the table. The studio offers a restroom, paint-washing sink, paper towels, water, tea, and backup art supplies if you forget something. A café is conveniently located across the street, though bringing lunch is recommended to maximize working time.
WEST PORTAL GALLERY
320 West Portal Gallery | San Francisco, CA 94127
415 212 9092 | team@westportalgallery.com
ARRIVAL & PARKING
Participants are welcome to arrive up to 20 minutes early to settle in. Metered parking is available directly in front of the studio for easy loading and unloading. Free neighborhood parking can be found around Wawona and 14th Street—there is a 2-hour limit on weekdays and no time limit on weekends.
QUESTIONS
Email us at team@westportalgallery.com