If you’re tired of only seeing your face in self-isolation, now might be the perfect time to get into portrait painting. And the National Portrait Gallery (NPG) in Canberra can help with that – on April 28 it’s launching a free online masterclass (dubbed “The Amazing Face”) to help people learn about art and become better artists.
Every day for 14 days, the NPG will host a lecture breaking down an iconic work from its extensive collection, which includes portraits of famous Aussies such as Nick Cave, Lee Lin Chin and Bob Hawke (drinking a strawberry milkshake). The instructors will explain the cultural context of the works, their curatorial significance, and why they’re technically successful.
At the end of the two weeks, participants will then create their own self-portrait incorporating everything they’ve learned. And what better way to commemorate this pandemic than with a moody painting of yourself? “Self-isolation self-portrait, April 2020” has a good ring to it.
The NPG has also announced that Headhunt! – an app that allows users to virtually tour the gallery– will be available to download in late April.
“Sharing stories about Australian life through the lens of portraiture informs everything we do,” NPG director Karen Quinlan said in a media release. “But we have asked ourselves, during this really difficult time, how can we create programs and activities that have the potential to enrich the lives of people who are at home.”
The free “Amazing Face” season commences on April 28.
