Contemporary Figuration.. Breaking Out and On the Rise in 2026
Just one of our 4 figurative portrait painting workshops this season with Johan Barrios, May 9-12th, 2026
For the past two decades, we’ve observed contemporary artists go beyond traditional ideas of beauty and identity, embracing a broader range of subjects and stories. In the early 2000s, a truly explosive boom in figurative painting occurred, led by an international crew of artists including George Kondo, Alex Katz, Peter Doig, Marlene Dumas, Kehinde Wiley, Elizabeth Peyton, and John Currin. In recent years, a second wave of figurative painting has emerged, one that maintains stylistic similarities but places greater emphasis on contemporary identity politics, and several themes have emerged, making this genre even more compelling. (Lesso, 2021)
Abstract portraits that capture the essence of subjects through non-traditional forms and compositions: our upcoming workshop with Johan Barrios is a wonderful example of this style. Check out his workshop May 9-12th.
Minimalism and line art highlight the beauty of simplicity and the power of subtle details, showing that less can truly be more in contemporary art. David Limrite uses bold contrasts and expressive figure forms in his art, and he is leading a workshop from October 3rd to 6th.
Mixed media and collage with visually engaging textures create pieces that tell complex stories and celebrate cultural differences, and have really opened up the figurative realism space.
Monochromatic Color Studies. Using limited color palettes to create impactful portraits is a trend that emphasizes mood, focus, and artistic expression. Daniel Bilmes, a prolific LA artist, celebrates the soul of drawing in his classical oil painting techniques. He weaves the magical and the mystical into a simple and soulful portrait.
By blending diverse cultural and artistic traditions, artists create rich, multicultural works that celebrate different traditions and heritage. This has led to greater exposure to diverse cultural backgrounds and aesthetics, as well as to the celebration of a landscape and a lifestyle. An example of this is Derek Harrison's western landscape oil painting workshop on October 12-15th,
We are lucky enough to offer many of these new styles and techniques in our figurative painting workshop lineup this season, and we have several spots in each workshop. It is an exciting time to be breaking the rules and pushing your creativity forward on the canvas in 2026!
Sources:
Lesso, Rosie. (2021) The Rise of Figurative Painting. The Collector https://www.thecollector.com/rise-of-figurative-paintings-6-contemporary-artists/(2024, August). Contemporary Portrait Art Trends 2024. Artfully Walls https://www.artfullywalls.com/artful-insights/2024-contemporary-portrait-art-trends?srsltid=AfmBOorVFS94n9yvUPsBgIUd8wNohiZi7xUCdENe50Cn0v62X93KoN5D
