Masterclass with Evert Ploeg
From Figure to Composition
From Figure to Composition: A Masterclass with Evert Ploeg
Join multiple award winning portrait and figurative artist Evert Ploeg for a 1-day masterclass workshop at Spud Lane.
Fee includes all art materials, model fee, and a mouth-watering lunch from local gourmet whiz Lucinda's Pantry.
How the figure sits within the composition is the basis for this one-day masterclass workshop with acclaimed portrait and figurative artist Evert Ploeg.
Working live from a semi-nude model, and using the visual background to construct the work as a ‘whole’, Evert will guide participants to see relationships both realistically and abstractly, and to develop multiple gouache small studies using an urban sketching method.
Training the eye to see this compositional map is fundamental to many artistic pursuits but is often overlooked. It is particularly important in portrait narrative pieces.
This class is for you if you want to:
- Develop your skill in rapid mark-making techniques to produce dynamic and expressive artwork.
- Improve your understanding of composition principles using shapes, objects, and colours to construct the composition.
- Gain confidence in approaching portrait and figurative work.
Evert's experience combines whole class teaching and demonstration with personalised guidance and feedback.
All levels are welcome but some drawing experience is helpful.
With seven major works in the National Portrait Gallery, Evert Ploeg’s work has garnered honours nationally
and abroad including two Archibald People’s Choice Awards (including his 1999 portrait of Deborah Mailman)
and Signature Status at the Portrait Society of America. As a tonal realist, Evert considers himself not only a portrait painter but also that of a documentary maker, his work has extended beyond the confines of the studio to creating works of a plein air nature, including his recent Polo series artworks shown at Windsor Polo Club.
Photography credit: Simon Harsent
This class uses gouache, a reworkable medium that is fast drying. Its versatility is perfect for achieving immediate results.
All art materials are included in the class fee, for your convenience.

Spud Lane is a professional art studio and contemporary gallery located in a converted warehouse in the small town of Robertson NSW. We are fully equipped with professional lighting, materials for your class, plenty of space to relax, and a unique creative environment.
A delicious healthy lunch from our favourite local providore is included, as well as a coffee made by our in-house Barista.
Got Questions Before Booking? Email hello@spudlane.com.au or call Cat on 0424 008 432.
- Full payment is required to reserve your spot.
- Owing to the small sizes of our classes, we do not offer refunds if you change your mind before the event. However you may pass on your ticket to a friend if you are unable to attend.
- All classes and workshops are subject to minimum numbers. If we fail to form the minimum class size, we will cancel the workshop. In this instance, we will offer you a full refund or a credit note for another workshop at Spud Lane.
- No refunds or credit notes will be issued if you fail to show up on the day.

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