This course will teach you the entire process of creating a portrait painting in oils from start to finish.


The basic course includes:

  • A complete demonstration and explanation of the entire process of painting a full colour portrait painting in oils.
  • 11+ hours of HD video lessons.
  • Reference image
  • Materials list

How do you want to learn?


Course Overview


First Session

You will begin the portrait with a wash drawing using just a single paint and medium, so you can focus on tone and brushwork without having to worry about colour. At the end of the session I will show you how to apply a tone over this wash drawing in preparation for the second week.


You can view the required materials for this course here.

Getting Started

Learn how to put brush to canvas in a simple way, using just one paint colour to find the general proportions first.

Separating Light and Dark

You will then use shadows and lights as a way to give the painting a solid underlying structure.

Finishing the Wash Drawing

Once your shadows are blocked in, you will finish the wash drawing by adding more details in the shadows and lights.

Second Session

Using the wash drawing as your guide, you will then block in the major colours before learning how to develop the halftones to make the portrait look 3D.

Shadows and Halftones

You will begin the second session by adding colour and variations in the shadows and halftones. This will make the painting look more 3D.

Adding the Features

You will then learn how to start painting the eyes, nose and mouth, with a focus on how the features relate to the underlying anatomy of the face.

Colouring the Background

You will finish the second session by adding colour to the background, which will tie together the whole painting.

Third Session

The final session will focus on glazing, scumbling and adding final details. I will also cover good practice for storing and varnishing finished paintings.

Refining the Head Structure

You will look for more subtle forms in the skull in order to reinforce a sense of solidity and structure in the portrait.

Finishing the Features

Learn how to render the features to a high level of finish and aim for a good likeness to the sitter.

Finishing the Painting

The final lessons will cover hair texture and sheen as well as best practice for storing and varnishing the painting.

Course Curriculum
  Supporting Documents
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  First Session
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  Toning the Canvas Between Sessions
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  Second Session
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  Third Session
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How do you want to learn?


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