Learn the technique behind the wall of fame portraits

At regular intervals I organise exclusive ArtGraf workshops in my studio Atelier Sint Lucas in The Hague. During these small-scale workshops I share, step by step, the working method behind my Wall of Fame portraits.

These workshops are intended for both beginners and experienced artists who wish to deepen their understanding of portraiture, tonal drawing, classical techniques and the unique possibilities of ArtGraf.

Through demonstrations and personal guidance you will learn how to build a portrait through tone, line and layering — inspired by classical masters such as Albrecht Dürer and Leonardo da Vinci, translated into a contemporary and accessible technique.

The workshops are especially suitable for internationals and expats living in The Hague who are looking for a unique artistic experience in an authentic Dutch artist’s studio.

What is ArtGraf?

ArtGraf is a unique material developed by the Portuguese manufacturer  Viarco, allowing artists to both draw and paint with remarkable freedom and expression.

Positioned somewhere between graphite, watercolour and painting, ArtGraf offers rich tonal possibilities and a direct, intuitive way of working. It is particularly suited to portraiture with a classical atmosphere and allows both subtle tonal transitions and powerful expressive lines.

Over the past years I developed my own personal approach to ArtGraf on prepared museum board for my Wall of Fame series, based on classical principles of light, tonal structure and layering.

A unique atelier experience

The workshops take place in Atelier Sint Lucas, my studio in the historic centre of The Hague, where I work daily on commissions, portraits and new additions to the Wall of Fame.

By working in small groups of no more than 10 participants, the workshops maintain a calm and personal atmosphere with plenty of individual guidance.

These are not mass workshops, but intensive atelier sessions focused on observation, technique and artistic development.

You will work on specially prepared museum board and receive demonstrations, explanations and personal guidance throughout the day, regardless of your level of experience.

Participants are free to bring their own reference material or work from examples provided during the workshop.

What will you learn?

– how to construct a portrait through tone and line
– working with light and shadow using classical principles
– combining drawing and painting techniques with ArtGraf
– working with brushes, sponges and layered textures
– creating more depth, atmosphere and character in portraiture

What is included?

– an extensive hand-out explaining the complete process
– access to exclusive online instructional videos
– personal feedback and evaluation of your work

Practical information

Atelier Sint Lucas
Lepelstraat 9
2512 CW The Hague
The Netherlands

10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
followed by an informal drink

The workshops are organised in small groups of maximum 10 participants.

Participation fee

The fee for the complete workshop is €150.

Including use of materials, coffee/tea, hand-outs, online instructional videos and a freshly prepared lunch from local bakery ’t Bakkertje.

In collaboration with viarco

These workshops are supported by Viarco, the Portuguese manufacturer of ArtGraf materials with whom I closely collaborate within my Wall of Fame project.

During the workshop you will be introduced to a variety of ArtGraf materials and techniques. A specially selected ArtGraf set is optionally available through me.

Interested or would you like to stay informed? 

Places are limited for each workshop.

Would you like to stay informed about future workshop dates or receive more information without obligation? Please feel free to contact me via the contact page.

I hope to welcome you soon to Atelier Sint Lucas.

Arjan van Gent 

Contact