Houglum’s masterful and accurate rendering of his subjects, whether landscape, still life or portrait of an animal or a person, begins with composition, then drawing and finally painting the subject in the traditions of the Old Masters. He will demonstrate the step-by-step process he uses to complete a portrait in oil paint. He begins with a raw umber drawing of the subject using a photo for reference while keeping the elements and principles of design in mind. Then, he blocks in what he calls the “step one colors,” followed by the “step two” finishing of the portrait.

A native of northern Minnesota, Houglum is a Vietnam veteran who served in the U.S. Army from 1966 to 1969. He received his bachelor’s degree in art education in 1972 from Moorhead State University. He then studied under Antonius Raemakers, a Dutch Master in Martinsville, Indiana, followed by two years of classes on portraits and figures at the John Herron Art Institute in Indianapolis. Houglum Fine Art Studio & Gallery was established in August 1980 in Safety Harbor, Florida, where he taught private art lessons. He and his wife moved to Franklin in 1996 and reestablished Houglum Fine Art Studio & Gallery that is currently located at the Macon County Heritage Center at the Historic Cowee School.

Sponsored by the N.C. Arts Council, Swain County Center for the Arts and Swain County Schools, anyone who is interested is invited to attend the demonstration free of charge.  This program received support from the N.C. Arts Council, a division of the department of Cultural Resources.

Free.

828.488.7843 or www.swain.k12.nc.us/cfta.