Whidbey Island Fine Art Studio: Robert Liberace workshop. Frans Hals: Birth of the Painterly Portrait. Frans Hals was the first portrait painter to merge rigorous naturalism with effortless and economical virtuosity. His sublime approach signaled the beginning of alla prima painting and influenced some of the greatest painters of the nineteenth century such as Zorn, Sorolla and Sargent. This class will explore the methods and materials of this great Dutch master and apply them in the studio by creating portraits inspired by his impeccable grace and fluidity.