David will demonstrate his process which begins with taking dramatic photographs of his subjects focusing primarily on the head and uses them as painting references. The salient contours of the head and features are then traced onto transparent vellum, enlarged or reduced to painting size, and then transferred by tracing again onto watercolor paper. This allows David to freely explore multiply studies without having to re-draw the subject each time.

The emphasis is on the creative painting process. He tells his workshop students that California Vibe© Watercolor Portraiture is all about “controlling the flood”. The end result is a wild synthesis of energetic hues, textures, and brush marks.

David takes a step-by-step, instructional approach, with each step building upon the previous one so that by the end of his workshops, the student has a solid foundation on which to practice.

California Vibe© Watercolor Portraiture workshop students have written the following:

     Anyone who’s on the fence about doing this needs to jump in. I have just finished David’s totally awesome workshop, and we all left “vibeing”! It’s not easy, but it’s a joy ride learning.

     Your California Vibe Portrait workshop was totally worth it. I learned so much and had a fun time. I am telling everyone that you are a great teacher and a fun teacher.

     Your art is a breathe of fresh air. I am dazzled!

Recommended experience level:  all levels

Download Supply list (pdf format)

David Lobenberg      

David Lobenberg is a native Californian where he earned a Master of Fine Arts degree from UCLA. He is published here and abroad in both exhibition catalogues and publications such as The Palette, Artist’s, Southwest Art, Art Collector, Plein Air, The Art of Watercolour, and Pratique des Arts magazines. He has worked in the mediums of pen and ink, acrylic, and watercolor. In 2012 he began developing his signature California Vibe© Watercolor Portraiture style. It is characterized by the use of exuberantly expressive colors and paint applications.

The late Nicholas Simmons wrote of David’s work:

David Lobenberg possesses what I call the “portrait gene” He has a special talent for creating loose, spontaneous, fresh and lively portraits that appear as if they just happened.

To see more of David's work, visit his website:  https://lobenbergart.com/

Non Members Fee: $540.00 Members Fee: $500.00