Zhaoming Wu, The art of painting the figure

Born in China and trained at the Guangzhou Academy of Fine Arts, Zhoaming has taught at  the Academy of Art University in San Francisco, for the past 40 years. A celebrated painter known for his figurative works and landscapes, Zhaoming's art has been showcased in prestigious institutions worldwide, including the de Young Museum, the National Art Museum of China, and the European Museum of Modern Art.

Throughout his prolific career, Wu has published 11 books and earned top honors from organizations like the Oil Painters of America. A respected educator and frequent juror for international competitions, his technical mastery has been featured in leading publications such as Fine Art Connoisseur, International Artist, Southwest Art, Art of West magazine.

Discover the art of painting the figure with renowned artist and master painter Zhaoming Wu.

Recognized for his distinctive painterly style, Zhaoming brings together the discipline of classical painting and the expressive freedom of contemporary realism. His paintings are celebrated for their beautiful sense of design, luminous color, confident brushwork, and poetic interpretation of the human form.

In this four-day workshop, Zhaoming will share his approach to painting the clothed figure in oil using the alla prima technique. Students will explore how to move beyond simply describing what they see and begin to interpret the figure through thoughtful design, color relationships, light, and expressive paint application.

Particular emphasis will be placed on composition, the organization of shapes, color harmony, and the relationship of light and shadow in describing form. Students will learn how to use value and edge control to establish depth, create atmosphere, suggest movement, and bring a painting together with a strong sense of visual unity.

Through Zhaoming’s demonstrations, individual instruction, and critiques, students will gain insight into the decisions behind his painting process—from the initial concept and placement of shapes to the development of form, color, and final expressive passages.

One of the most compelling aspects of Zhaoming’s work is his ability to balance exceptional draftsmanship with an economy of brushwork. He understands when to describe, when to simplify, and when to let the paint speak for itself. His approach encourages artists to develop a more personal, confident, and expressive relationship with their subject.

This is an exceptional opportunity to study with a master painter and experience firsthand the principles behind his distinctive approach to figurative painting.

Zhaoming teaches only a limited number of workshops each year, making this a special opportunity for artists seeking to deepen their understanding of the figure and elevate their approach to painting.

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REGISTRATION

Regiatration requires a non-refundable deposit of $150, payable through Venmo, Zelle, check or credit card. 

For more information, please call or text Melinda at 303-881-1122.