People in Watercolor

– Between Likeness, Emotion, and Abstraction

Artist-instructor: Malte Hagen

Location: Denizen House, Köpenicker Str. 40, 10179 Berlin

Dates: April 14 | April 21 | April 28 | May 5 | May 12
Time: 18:00 – 20:00
Cost: 38€ per class (inc. VAT)

Special Offer:
Join May 5 or May 12 with a friend and get 20% off! Use the code FRIENDS20 at checkout. You must purchase 2x the same class for the coupon code to work. If you want to pay another way just email me contact@berlindrawingroom.com

A drink on the house: price includes 1x beverage during each class! (wine, soda, juice, etc…)

All Materials Included: Watercolors, brushes and paper are provided. If you have your own watercolors, brushes or watercolor sketchbook, feel free to bring them.

What to Expect:

Learn how to capture the essence of a person rather than simply reproducing their appearance. Guided by the motto “Breathe and Flow,” this workshop focuses on working directly with watercolor’s expressive and unpredictable qualities. “Breathing” refers to the intentional use of the paper’s white space, while “Flowing” emphasizes a bold, generous use of water.

You will create several portraits that move between figuration and abstraction. Working from sketches, introspective exercises, and a reference image of your choice, you will interpret your subjects emotionally and conceptually rather than aiming for strict realism.

Led by artist Malte Hagen, the workshop begins with preparatory drawing exercises that address common challenges in portraiture. From there, you will gradually loosen control and allow the watercolor to guide the process. Through color, form, and composition, you will explore unconventional ways of representing identity and perception.

Through experimental exercises and guided practice, you will develop a more expressive visual language and a more personal relationship to painting. The workshop encourages confidence, curiosity, and a joyful approach to portraiture.

What we focus on:

Developing a deeper understanding of watercolor’s technical and conceptual possibilities
Exploring multiple approaches to portraiture beyond traditional representation
Balancing likeness, emotion, and abstraction through color, form, and composition
Building confidence and momentum to continue experimenting with expressive painting

Who is this workshop for?

This workshop is open to all levels. Malte Hagen will give you individual feedback and guidance. The more experience you have, the easier it will be to experiment with new approaches. If you’re curious about pushing your artistic boundaries, this is a guided and inspiring space to do so. You are welcome to join just one class, or for a more comprehensive skill set, join the entire workshop by purchasing the 5 class bundle.

Location:

The workshop takes place in the beautiful Denizen co-working space on Köpenicker Str. 40.

Special Offer at Denizen: Denizen House is a communal place providing work, refreshment, and recreational facilities throughout the day. On the day of the BDR workshop, you can get a day pass for 15€ instead of 19€. Enjoy the comfort and unlimited hot beverages at Denizen House before emerging into the world of art. Food and drinks will be additionally available during the workshop.

Artist-Instructor:

Malte Hagen Painter, Illustrator, Lecturer

Malte is a Berlin-based painter and illustrator with an extensive exhibition history and teaching experience at institutions including the FH Aachen University of Applied Sciences, where he studied Visual Communication. In his artistic practice, he merges objects, figures, and spaces into scenarios within large-format paintings. He utilizes light effects and surfaces to transpose his subjects into a mythical distance. In Malte Hagen’s work, bulky waste and plastic debris are treated as equal to golden helmets and classical poses. The catalog “Subtle Masterworks,” to be published by DCV next year, offers an insight into his extensive body of work. www.maltehagen.de