Two Figure Narrative Painting Workshop with Michelle Doll

May 15-17 10 am-5 pm EST Instructor: Michelle Doll painting from life and photos | 2 models In this workshop, we will create a two-figure narrative composition using both live models and photographs. The goal is to build paintings that feel intimate, charged, and story-driven by focusing on how two figures relate to one another and how their shared space can heighten meaning. We will work in a direct painting method with an emphasis on painting flesh and form. You’ll practice mixing paint, making confident decisions, and translating what you see from life and photo references into stronger figurative compositions. We will also look at great painters of the past and present who found a real connection with their subjects and turned that connection into deeply personal paintings. Throughout the workshop, we’ll explore the technical and practical choices that can amplify the emotional and conceptual depth of a narrative image. Along the way, students will refine their own methods while investigating what truly motivates the painting, emotionally, technically, and soulfully. From closely cropped figure pairings to genre-style setups, we’ll design compositions that feel powerful, intimate, and creatively alive.  Students will work from live semi-clothed or clothed models. Day 1: Lecture on Composition and Technical Approaches: Creating a powerful, two-figure narrative composition and meaning in the technical process. Demonstrations: Working with life and composing with photos Beginning the compositional, imprimatura sketch Day 2: Lecture and Demonstrations on Color and Value: Mixing a strong flesh palette to bring the narrative to life Lecture on the technical, emotional and spiritual narratives Demonstrations: Direct painting approaches using a mixed palette Day 3: Lecture on Completing the Narrative: Finishing the Painting. What makes a painting feel complete? Approaches and meaning in experimentation. Skill Level: All levels are welcome, basic drawing skills recommended There will be a one-hour lunch break each day. Lunch is on your own. For those traveling from out of town, please contact us if you need help with accommodation recommendations. We will be happy to help! CLICK HERE for materials list ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR Michelle Doll’s paintings capture quiet, private moments hinged on personal connections between herself and her subjects. Her paintings are infused with themes of intimacy and introspection and explore contemporary ideas about family, love, desire, and femininity.  The subject matter, although not idealized in form, implies idealized moments of intimacy that we all either consciously or unconsciously crave. Originally from Canton, Ohio, Doll earned her BFA from Kent State University (1999) and her MFA from the New York Academy of Art (2006). Selected awards include the Prince of Wales/ Forbes Foundation Travel Grant (2006), Artist in Residence at Eden Rock on St. Barth’s (2008), The Bennett Prize Honorable Mention (2018), a fellowship from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts (2019) and The Lillian Orlowsky and William Freed Grant in Association with PAAM (2024). Doll’s work has been exhibited widely in the U.S. and internationally, with solo shows at Lyons Wier Gallery (NYC), Pontone Gallery (London), Gallery Ramfjord (Oslo), and others. Her paintings have been featured in publications such as American Art Collector, Beautiful Bizarre Magazine, White Hot Magazine, and in books including The Figure by Margaret McCann (Rizzoli) and The Figurative Artist’s Handbook by Robert Zeller (Monacelli Studio). She has been interviewed on numerous podcasts, including John Dalton Gently Does It, Artist Mother Podcast, and Art Haus Radio. Michelle lives and works in Hoboken, New Jersey. She teaches at New Jersey City University and the New York Academy of Art, and mentors artists both in-person and online. For more information about Michelle Doll and her work, please visit www.MichelleDoll.com or follow her on Instagram @michellelynndoll.       We are unable to issue refunds for visiting artist workshops unless Townsend Atelier cancels the workshop or we can fill a cancelled spot with someone on our waiting list.