Michelle Dunaway
Expressive Alla Prima Portrait Painting
June 19-24, 2026
Tuition: $850 + Model Fee
Skill Level: All Levels
During this four day intensive workshop, Michelle will lecture, demonstrate her painting techniques, and provide one-on-one instruction as students paint from life. The class will focus on Alla Prima painting, covering everything from composition and color mixing of skin tones to more advanced techniques such as color temperature which gives the visual illusion of the subject receding or coming forward in space. The beautiful intricacies of edges and brushwork will be a main focus as a way to lead the eye through the composition, making punctuations in paint and resting spots for the eye.
The class will do three paintings over the four days: two head studies and a two-day pose that covers advanced techniques for capturing a likeness, painting hands, and placing the sitter in an environment. Michelle will also do a slideshow of her work, including step-by-step photographs of her more elaborate finished studio work, while discussing things to keep in mind when taking a study back into the studio to make a completed work for the gallery.
Beginners to advanced students are welcome as Michelle will work one-on-one with each student to help them achieve their next level in painting and give students specific guidance to meet their individual artistic goals.
Meet the Artist
Michelle Dunaway
Michelle Dunaway is an American artist whose paintings are revered for their bold brushwork yet sensitive portrayal of emotions that capture the human experience. Dunaway exhibited a strong penchant for drawing the human form from a young age and that fascination has continued throughout her life and career. Her artwork has been featured in international exhibitions and publications including Fine Art Connoisseur, Art of the West, International Artist, American Art Collector, Southwest Art, and American Artist.
Dunaway’s work has received numerous awards and honors including Finalist and Award of Exceptional Merit at the 2010 Portrait Society of America’s International Portrait Competition for her painting Katie and Jenni -The Daughters of Jane Seymour; a Certificate of Excellence from the Portrait Society of America in 2014 and 2017; Finalist and Award of Exceptional Merit at the 2016 and 2018 Portrait Society of America's International Portrait Competition; and Finalist in the Art Renewal Center's ARC Salon Competition 2019 winning the American Legacy of Fine Art Award.
