Workshop | Portraiture with Sitter with Nicholas Robinson at the Schoolhouse for Art

ABOUT THE CLASS  

Painting the portrait is one of the longest traditions in oil painting; from van Eyck, Titian and Velázquez through to Reynolds, Romney and Raeburn and up to our present day.

Painting the portrait is a time honoured practice of the oil painter.

This 6 week course is designed to break down painting the portrait from the model into easily understandable principles.

The course will focus on;

• drawing and design of the head and face
• working with shadow and light to describe form
• colour theory and mixing to describe colour and light
• use of materials and technique in oil painting
• conveying mood and expression to capture the personality of the sitter.

What Will I Learn On This Course

• Explore one of oil painting’s richest traditions — portraiture from life, rooted in the legacy of artists like van Eyck, Titian, Velázquez, Reynolds, and Raeburn.
• Break down the portrait painting process into clear, manageable steps over six weeks.
• Learn foundational skills including:
  • Drawing and designing the structure of the head and face
  • Understanding and using light and shadow to model form
  • Applying colour theory and mixing to depict skin tone, light, and atmosphere
  • Handling materials and oil painting techniques with confidence
  • Capturing expression and mood to convey the sitter’s character
• Work directly from the model, with expert guidance and supportive feedback.
• Develop your observational and technical abilities, building a strong base in traditional portrait painting.
• Suitable for intermediate painters or those with some experience looking to deepen their understanding of portraiture.

For more information and to book click here