From Monday, Aug. 3, to Friday, Aug. 7, Alliance for the Arts will host an Old Masters Oil Painting Workshop led by classical painter Tom Humbert. The workshops will serve to teach artists the timeless techniques used in the days of the Renaissance.
Humbert earned degrees in Physics from North Carolina State University and pursued undergraduate and graduate-level painting studies through the university’s School of Design. He has also privately taken lessons from the late Frank Covino. He studied art conservation thoroughly and helped restore over 100 paintings and frames.
“We are thrilled to welcome Tom Humbert to the Alliance for the Arts,” said Education Director Jessica Kleffman. “Tom’s deep knowledge of Renaissance painting techniques and his ability to make these centuries-old methods accessible to artists of all experience levels make this a truly special opportunity. Workshops of this caliber are rare, and we’re excited to offer our community the chance to learn directly from an instructor who has dedicated his career to preserving and teaching the traditions of the Old Masters.”
The course will begin with structured underdrawing and progress through monochromatic underpainting, where form, value, and light will be established. Once participants are confident, students will then start learning color application, layering, and glazing. These methods were used for centuries to achieve depth, luminosity, and subtle transitions within a painting. Humbert will serve as a very involved instructor, making sure to provide hands-on instructions and personal guidance.
Another aspect of a Renaissance painting technique that special attention will be paid to is how Renaissance artists used to create the illusion that a subject’s eyes follow the viewer throughout a room. When the workshop is nearing the end, participants will be given the opportunity to complete an original oil painting using the Renaissance methods they have learned over the course.
The workshop will take place at 10091 McGregor Boulevard in Fort Myers with a cost of $475 for Alliance members and $570 for non-members. It will be from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. with a lunch break midday.
To register or receive more information, visit ArtInLee.org or call 239-939-2787.
