Nelson Shanks Paints Gerry Lenfest's Portrait

Studio Incamminati and Freeman's Auctioneers have joined efforts to introduce, "The Artists of Studio Incamminati, School for Contemporary Realist Art” exhibition. The show runs from June 8^th to the 17^th and features over 100 works of art from 40 talented artists. Some of the artists showcased include, Stephen Early, Darren Kingsley, Leona Shanks, Peter Kelsey, Robin Frey, Kerry Dunn, Nelson Shanks, and many others. 

During the exhibitions running, several events were established, one being a live portrait demo done by Nelson Shanks, founder of Studio Incamminati. Pricing for this event was 50.00 per person, unless you had a valid art student ID. With that said, several of my friends from PAFA and I decided to take a trip over and watch the demo. The model of choice was none other than Gerry Lenfest. For those unaware of Mr. Lenfest's achievements take a look at the link connected to his name. There you will lean a bit more of his contributions. 

Below are several images taken from the demonstration. Each slide was a separate session lasting anywhere from 45 minutes to an hour. 

First Session

Second Session

Third Session

Final Painting 

Detail #1

Detail #2

Nelson Shanks and Gerry Lenfest posing for the barrage of incoming photos. From my observation, it looked like both gentlemen had a great evening. Nelson was quite honored to paint Lenfest's portrait, as he said several times throughout the evening. 

Below I have listed a bit of information on Nelson’s Palette arrangement and brush choices.

Colors include Gamblin, Winsor-Newton, Old Holland, and Grumbacher, unless noted.

Burnt Umber

Burnt Sienna

Venetian Red

Crimson Lake Deep Extra (Old Holland)

Permanent Rose (W-N)

Cadmium Red Deep

Camium Scarlet

Perinone Red (Gamblin)

Perylene Red (Gamblin)

Cadmium Orange

Raw Sienna

Indian Yellow (W-N)

Yellow Ochre

Cadmium Yellow

Cadmium Yellow Pale

Cadmium Green Pale

Cadmium Green

Viridian (W-N)

Pthalo Green

Cerulean Blue

Cobalt Blue

Manganese Blue

Ultramarine Blue

Dioxazine Purple

Ivory Black

Flake White #2


Nelson uses a company called, Silver Brush, to produce customized brush sets designed for portrait and figurative painters. The company website has more information on their quality and retail locations. 

Posted in: Demonstration,Freemans Auctioneers,Gerry Lenfest,Nelson Shanks,Palette,Portrait,Studio Incamminati