Artist Rita Kirkman at work on a portrait from life - Valentine Nebraska Art Workshop

The Valentine Art Guild sponsored a wonderful workshop with artist Rita Kirkman last weekend. She demonstrated life drawing and working from a grid. It was SO GOOD.

Artist Rita Kirkman at work on a portrait - Valentine Nebraska Art Workshop

I snapped a photo of this guy who was wandering the exhibits in the same building as the workshop.

I thought he had so much character, especially his eyes. I wanted to try to paint him using the techniques taught by Rita. I believe my painting might be his younger self.

And here's another practice of the techniques, I used derwent charcoals, charcoal pencil, and gesso on this piece.

Vintage Glam - Charcoal, Gesso - © Beth Cole

Thanks to all the members of the Valentine Art Guild who organized the workshop and hosted so beautifully, it was a great time!

Art + Such Blog by Beth Cole

Painting Portraits with Rita Kirkman