Dynamic Multi-Figural Composition

In this Sacred Art course, we will explore the principles necessary to create visually compelling original artwork involving multiple figures in motion. Taking inspiration from the breathtaking drama and monumental scope of the Counter-Reformation masters, the curriculum will break down the steps involved in producing these time-tested masterpieces of Western Christian culture and equip students to tackle similar projects for contemporary contexts with confidence and sophistication.

Engaging presentations on art history and theory will alternate with guided practica focused on applying the principles discussed to the students’ own concept sketches and compositional drawings.  Along the way, the instructors will provide illustrations of how these same principles were brought to bear in real-life examples from their own professional work.

This week-long workshop begins with check-in at 4:30 PM on Sunday night. Dinner is served at 5:30 PM for students and instructors. Dinner is followed by a workshop introduction and conference which ends at 9:00 PM. Students are welcome to attend daily Mass at 9 AM. Hands-on instruction begins Monday morning after Mass.  The entire workshop ends Friday at 1 PM.

Instructors:

George and Polly Capps are a brother-sister team of professional fine artists and the founders of Goretti Fine Art, a studio dedicated to creating original sacred artwork for churches and private worship spaces. Their mission is to nourish the human spirit and to glorify God through beautiful, inspiring, and innovative imagery that speaks to contemporary experience, is grounded in a sacramental worldview, and builds upon the rich heritage of Western Christian art. Prior to founding the studio, George worked in the historical art field, and Polly interned at a firm specializing in the restoration of ecclesial murals and statuary. Both artists earned their degrees from Stanford University.

Since joining forces with the launch of Goretti Fine Art in 2021, George and Polly’s artwork has received numerous honors and awards at an international level. The Liturgical Arts Journal has praised their “resurgent style with its impressive topographic realism” and described their work as “alive with form while penetrating space in a dynamic way.” The siblings’ creative output has spanned the thematic spectrum from contemplative devotional pieces to monumental multi- figural compositions charged with spiritual energy. These efforts are placing Goretti Fine Art at the forefront of the burgeoning restoration of sacred beauty that is underway in the Church.