"Luncheon of the Boating Party", 1880, by Pierre-Auguste Renoir (Phillips Collection)
“To my mind, a picture should be something pleasant, cheerful, and pretty, yes pretty! There are too many unpleasant things in life as it is without creating still more of them.” ?Pierre-Auguste Renoir
Spend a day painting and learning about Renoir and the circle of friends connected to his most beloved work. In conjunction with the Philips Collection’s exhibition Renoir and Friends: Luncheon of the Boating Party, view Renior’s work in a gallery visit, share thoughts and ideas over lunch, then retreat to the studio for an afternoon of Renoir-inspired painting.
Travel from the Ripley Center to the Phillips for a morning tour of the exhibition with professional artist and painting instructor Adrienne Kralick. As you move through the galleries, Kralick guides you in examining Luncheon of the Boating Party and related works from an artist’s perspective, looking at the techniques Renoir used to achieve his signature effects: shimmering patches of fresh colors, rapid brush stokes knitted together, and dappled surface light. In addition to studying the artist’s methods, immerse yourself in the lives of the French impressionists—the friendships, loves, struggles, successes, and failures that contributed to the legacy of the movement.
Return to the Ripley Center to enjoy a gourmet boxed lunch, then head into studio to create your own Renoir-inspired painting using the techniques observed in his works. Paints and canvas similar to those used by Renoir are provided. Students take home a completed painting at the end of the day.
Participants should bring a few stiff hog-bristle brushes; no other supplies are needed. Lunch and admission to the Phillips Collection are included.
The program is limited to 10 students.
One 6.5-hour session
A Smithsonian shuttle bus departs from the Ripley Center, 1100 Jefferson Dr., SW, and returns there for the afternoon portion of the program.
World Art History Certificate elective: Earn 1/2 credit
