Art connects us all

The works of art in the permanent collection of the National Gallery are an abundant source of creative inspiration. This is why, in addition to guided tours and lectures, we have also been preparing various creative courses for our visitors for many years now.

Beginners courses in intaglio printmaking techniques

The participants of the courses learned about the entire printmaking process – from preparation of the matrix to creation of the print. They created prints in two intaglio printmaking techniques: drypoint, a mechanical technique characterised by its velvety, soft line, and etching, a chemical technique typical for its clear and sharp line.

Advanced intaglio printmaking techniques courses

In the advanced courses, the participants created prints in the classic intaglio printing techniques: etching, aquatint, reservage and vernis mou. They embellished their prints with the chine collétechnique, and were also introduced to the concept of small print – ex libris. In their last classes the course participants made prints in the manner of the great master of printmaking, Rembrandt.

Oil painting courses

Upon the exhibition of works by Matej Sternen, the participants to these courses explored rich colour layers, deepened their understanding of anatomy, light and its effects, and learned the steps of drawing and painting based on the knowledge of painting from the nineteenth century. On the occasion of the exhibition of Rembrandt's prints, the participants focused on light-dark contrasts and learned painting the human face of a live model.

Courses in drawing

In the drawing courses, the participants gradually mastered drawing individual parts of the human face and body. During the process, they learned various drawing techniques and they incorporated the knowledge acquired in their final task, which was to draw a portrait from a photograph or a full-length figure from a live model. Upon the exhibition of Rembrandt's prints, the course participants learned how to shade using hatching and measure the proportions, and they also created reproductions of some of Rembrandt's most famous prints.

Clay sculpting courses

The course participants learned the basics of clay modelling and the sculptural approaches in creating a sculptural portrait and figure. They got to know the entire work process from initial sketches in clay, preparation of the frame and mastering the technique of clay moulding to the production of the final work. In making the portraits and figures, they learned the basics of anatomical sketches and the study of proportions from a live model.

The mentors of the courses:
The beginners intaglio printmaking techniques courses: Alja Košar
The advanced intaglio printmaking techniques courses: Admir Ganić
The oil painting courses: Nik Anikis Skušek
The drawing courses: Tina Konec
The sculpting courses: Tamara Bregar
Preparation of works for exhibition: Tina Buh
Exhibition coordinator: Tjaša Debeljak Duranović