PORTRAITS IN OILS

This 3 day course offers an in-depth exploration of traditional and direct (alla prima) portrait painting using the classic Zorn palette of white, yellow ochre, red, and black. Over the course, students will complete two portraits, gaining both technical skill and expressive confidence.

Each morning session will focus on copying from selected master portraits to build a foundation in measurement, block-in drawing, tonal structure, and palette organisation. Through guided exercises, students will develop an understanding of proportion, anatomy, light, and tone.

Afternoon sessions will translate these principles into painting from a long pose model. Instruction will cover the progression from tonal washes to overpainting, refining shadow shapes, and achieving accurate proportions.

This course is an excellent opportunity to sharpen your observational skills, refine your technique, and deepen your understanding of oil portraiture within a structured, supportive studio environment.

Suitable for all levels.