Portrait Painting: A Step-by-Step 6-Week Journey

In this 6-week online class, work with me step by step as we paint a portrait from beginning to end. Using my unique method of layering intense color, we'll go through the full process to create a strong, colorful, and memorable portrait.

Working from photos I provide, we'll start with loose, abstract shapes and lines, quickly transforming this "chicken scratch" into a solid, three-dimensional form — moving paint around to sculpt the light. From there, we'll build up mass and focus on structure, refining our shapes of light into smaller, more detailed forms.

Using layers of wet-on-dry paint, we'll approach skin tones with minimal color mixing, producing vibrant, unique results. Backgrounds, and the techniques for bringing a painting together into a unified whole, will be covered in detail with live demonstration.

Each class begins with a critique of student work, followed by discussion and demonstration. Students are encouraged to ask questions throughout the painting process.

Time: 1 - 4 pm, eastern time

When: September 9 - October 28, every Wednesday (*no class September 30th)

Cost: $400 if register by August 31st, $450 after

Mentorship Program: Be The Best Artist You Can Be

Ongoing, join anytime

Program Overview:

Empower artists to reach their full potential through personalized, comprehensive guidance.

Build a strong foundation in painting and drawing techniques, while fostering creativity and artistic vision. Lessons built upon discussion between the student and me, for an individualized program.

This is an ongoing mentorship program, three-month registration is required

Program Structure:

Three-month semesters: Each semester focuses on specific skill development and artistic exploration, as per what the individual student needs.

Weekly interaction: Includes email critiques, video/picture tutorials, and one-on-one Zoom sessions.

Customized assignments: Tailored to individual goals and learning styles. Focus is where the student is and giving them the tools necessary to move forward in their creative process.

Ongoing feedback: Regular opportunities for students to share their thoughts and progress. Blog site for students to share their paintings and thoughts with each other.

Class get together: Group zoom meeting at the end of each semester for students to share with each other.

Mentoring Approach:

Comprehensive instruction: Covering fundamental principles, techniques, and art history.

Individualized support: Helping students overcome challenges and achieve their artistic aspirations.

Creative exploration: Encouraging experimentation and the development of a unique artistic voice.

Investment:

Quarterly fee: $1,200 (one-time payment)

-Or monthly installments of $500 (20% over the quarterly fee)

-Other payment plans possible based on need

email: studio.of.seth@gmail.com. to register or ask questions

Space in the program is limited

Previous Classes

Still Life

6 week online course

In this 6-week online class, we will paint a still life from beginning to end. We will use layers, working wet on dry to achieve strong color and light effect, incorporating structure through shadow and depth through subtle layering of saturated colors.  By the end of the class, we will have a finished 3-dimensional painting 

Much can be learned from still life. Painting objects three-dimensionally is an essential part of being a realist painter. Depth and knowing how to turn forms in space are fundamental. In this class, we will focus on these fundamental principles and more to further your knowledge and skills

The workshop will consist of discussion and critique, followed by demonstration. Seth will work from his own still life and will send images of his setup to students so they have the option to paint from the same setup. Students will also be encouraged to set up a still life of their own so they can work from life. Students will get weekly critiques at the beginning of each class  

Finally, we will discuss how painting a still life can be applied to painting the figure and portrait. The skills required to paint a successful finished still life are the same as with a portrait and figure

We meet through Zoom, and all classes are recorded for you to download. 

Discussion points:

Color saturation 

Complimentary colors

Color mixing

Light effect 

Shapes

Moving paint 

Paint handling

Brush manipulation 

Paint strokes

Warm and cool colors

Broken lines 

Edges

Drawing without drawing

Energy of paint and brush

Structure 

Loose to tight control

Time: 1 - 4 pm, eastern time

When: April 8 - May 13, every Wednesday 

Cost: $400

REGISTER HERE (by emailing me you’d like to register)