Join contemporary figurative artist Chris Eastham for a free, hands-on creative workshop ahead of her upcoming exhibition Northern Soul at Left Bank (Sept 3 – Oct 10).

Based in Leeds, Chris is known for her powerful portrait and figure paintings, strong draughtsmanship, and recent explorations of Northern identity using archive photography. She was a featured contestant on Sky Portrait Artist of the Year and contributed a large-scale mural to Neville Street’s artistic revival.

You will create a small portrait painting. In this two-hour session we will be using acrylic paint and a limited palette of just three colours plus white to mix a range of skin tones. The artist will demonstrate how the use of procreate for iPad may help in identifying skin colours more easily. (This is an optional tool) The artist will provide portrait images to work from which clearly demonstrate tonal qualities. Participants will work at their own pace and level and will be given step by step tuition and support.

All art materials will be provided. You will be able to take the piece away with you or you have an option to contribute it to a group display for the duration of the exhibition.

No experience necessary—just curiosity and creativity!

This workshop is free (first come first served) as it is funded by Leeds Cultural Grants.

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