Service Description

3-Day Portrait Painting Workshop Learn a clear process for building a portrait from first drawing to finished painting. This three-day workshop teaches a practical step-by-step method for painting portraits. You’ll learn how to establish structure, organise light and shadow, mix believable flesh tones, and bring a painting to a convincing finish. The aim is not just to complete one portrait, but to leave with a process you can use again in your own work. Suitable for beginners with some drawing experience and intermediate painters who want a clearer approach. Course structure Day 1 — Drawing & block-in We begin by establishing accurate proportions and structure. You’ll learn how to simplify the head into clear shapes and organise the main light and shadow before starting a controlled tonal block-in. Day 2 — First paint pass We build the first full pass of colour across the portrait. The focus is on keeping light and shadow organised while modelling form clearly and mixing natural flesh tones. Day 3 — Refinement & finish We focus on likeness, edges, subtle colour changes, and surface control to bring the painting to resolution without overworking it. What you’ll learn Across the workshop we cover: placing features accurately simplifying the head into clear shapes organising light and shadow building a strong tonal block-in mixing believable flesh tones modelling form with paint refining likeness with confidence Who the workshop is for This workshop is suitable for: beginners with some drawing experience intermediate painters wanting a clearer method artists returning to portrait painting anyone interested in a structured approach to observational portrait painting Group sizes are limited to 3–4 participants so everyone receives individual guidance. Location The workshop takes place in Oxford. The studio is easy to reach by train and local buses, with cafés nearby for lunch. A materials list and practical information — including suggestions for accommodation if you are travelling, will be sent after booking. What’s included three full days of tuition demonstrations throughout individual feedback and guidance a completed portrait painting to take home a clear process you can continue using afterwards What to bring A suggested materials list will be sent after booking so you know exactly how to prepare. Alternatives are welcome if you already have a preferred setup. Places are limited and early booking is recommended.