In this weekend course, we will explore and refine how space is represented on a flat picture plane. Figurative painting is, at its core, an art of illusion – we try to convince the viewer that a 2-dimensional surface holds 3-dimensional depth. The human visual system is wired to interpret depth: when it sees two similar shapes of different sizes, the mind sees one as closer and the other as further away – not just bigger or smaller. This principle, together with figure-ground relationships, foreshortening, occlusion and aerial perspective – where colours fade, cool and lose contrast with distance – form the perceptual basis of pictorial space.

Throughout art history, different traditions have developed distinct spatial systems: from the parallel perspective of Asian scrolls to the tilted planes of mediaeval miniature painting. But since this is a course based on classical European realist painting, we will focus on linear perspective – the projection of 3-dimensional space onto a flat surface from a fixed point of view, similar to what the camera sees. Rather than constructing vanishing points with rulers, we develop an intuitive sense of convergence and scale. As a contemporary aid, we use a tool the old masters would have dreamed of: the smartphone camera – not to copy reality, but to examine how framing and focal length shape visual expression.

The exercises range from quick sketches to more detailed works created with charcoal and acrylics. Students will work from physical setups, such as still life arrangements and studio interiors, as well as from photographs of landscapes or their imagination. Alongside linear perspective, we will return to aerial perspective as a painterly tool for suggesting depth. Each student will complete a series of exploratory exercises and sketches, followed by a developed study. The course is suitable for all levels and feedback will be individualised.

The course is taught in clear, accessible English, and the instructor can also communicate in Danish if needed.

You will learn

• How to create spatial depth using linear and atmospheric perspective
• How overlapping, scale, and foreshortening suggest distance and volume
• How light, colour, and contrast influence the illusion of space
• How to choose the best angle to avoid visual confusion and tangents
• How to use photography and framing as tools for spatial composition
• How to develop quick sketches into more finished painting

Who is this course aimed at?

The course is for those who want to learn how to create space in their paintings and drawings.The course is suitable for all levels and feedback will be individualised. If you are in doubt whether the course is right for you, you are very welcome to contact the teacher, Nemanja Askov on tel. 31713736.

Materials

Charcoal and acrylics. All necessary materials are included in the price. You only need to bring yourself, your curiosity – and a packed lunch. Painting clothes are recommended.

Teacher

Nemanja Askov is a visual artist working across painting, sculpture, video, and digital media. He graduated from the University of Arts in Belgrade, Yugoslavia, and completed an MA at the London Film School. He has exhibited in Denmark and internationally and is the co-founder and artistic director of TITLED, an artist-run exhibition space in Copenhagen.

Time

Friday 14.11.2025 at 5.30-8.30 pm
Saturday 15.11.2025 at 10.00-3.30 pm
Sunday 16.11..2025 at 10.00-3.30 pm
All days incl. a half-hour lunch break.

Location

Jacob Hoff Studio, Sydvestvej 123b – a large, bright painting studio.
See map.
If you are coming by public transport: The studio is not far from Glostrup St. You can walk up here in 20 minutes or take bus 123.
If you are coming by car: There is usually space to park in the yard. Remember to ask the teacher for a day license when you arrive.

Price

2200 DKK including use of all necessary materials as well as coffee, tea and cookies.

The class will hold a maximum of 8 participants, so there is plenty of time for individual guidance. 

Please note: On this course, one of the participants will bring a service dog. You can read about what a service dog is here: Servicehunde i Danmark – Servicehundeforeningen

If you wish to cancel your registration, a refund of the full fee can be made up to two weeks before the course is scheduled to start – i.e. no later than 30.10.2025. If there are less than two weeks until the start, the registration is binding – regardless of the reason – and the fee is non-refundable. However, you are always welcome to call or write to me if you become ill or are otherwise unable to attend after the cancellation deadline, as I sometimes have waiting lists. If someone from the waiting list can take your place, you will receive a full refund. If a class cannot be held due to too few registrations or the teacher’s illness, the full fee will be refunded.

Questions?

You are very welcome to call Nemanja Askov on tel. 31713736 if you have any questions about the course content.