Welcome! Indeed, I am truly honored that you have chosen to enroll in this online instructional program. I have worked hard to prepare an enjoyable and rewarding learning experience for you. I wish you success.

I have painted portraits professionally for a number of years. Early in my career, I discovered that there is always a market for portraits and it is an excellent way for an artist to make a good income.

The method presented here is based on the techniques of the old masters whom I have studied extensively. I hope it is as rewarding for you artistically as it is for me to use the same methods that have been perfected over the centuries by some of the most renowned artists of all time. I also hope that it is rewarding for you financially. There seems to be a huge market for portraits painted using these techniques.

Using these lessons, I am convinced that you can greatly improve your ability to paint portraits. These lessons will teach you all the details of the method. I'll show you step-by-step all the techniques that I use, including how I set up my palette and mix flesh tones.

I have attempted to make these portrait painting lessons as personal as possible. I'd like you to feel as if you are actually visiting my studio and are watching as I am painting and chatting with you.
 
Lesson Guide
This lesson guide explains the method, how to use the demonstrations, and the support you receive at no extra charge.
(Print this for reference)

This is actually a complete course on how to paint portraits. The course is divided into several components. Several of the components are demonstrations which cover a specific parts of the painting process.

First, browse through the lessons by clicking on the links. Familiarize yourself with what this course covers. If you like, you may print out the lessons so you will have a hard copy to work from.

You can proceed at your own pace, but to derive the maximum benefit, I ask that you allow a reasonable amount of time and not rush through the demonstrations. Also, begin with the section about materials and work your way through each part, one by one, in the order they are presented. 

The best way to cover the material is to paint a portrait as you follow along with each demonstration.

By the time you complete all the demonstrations, your ability to paint portraits should have improved noticeably.
 

The Classical Technique of Portrait Painting in Oils
The classical technique is a general term which describes the technique of painting used by such great artists as Leonardo, Raphael, Titian, and Rembrandt. It involves building the painting up in stages (as opposed to the alla prima or "all at once" approach of many twentieth century modernists).

The stages of the technique are:

  1. Selecting the Right Support and Materials
  2. Making the Sketch
  3. Laying out the palette
  4. Painting the Monochrome Underpainting
  5. Laying in Simple Local color Areas
  6. Overpainting With More Colors
  7. Adding Transparent Glazes
  8. Varnishing The Finished Painting
The technique makes full use of the slow drying characteristic of oil paint. The slow drying allows for corrections.

As you study the demonstrations, note how each one explains a part of the method. Memorize the sequence of steps. Each step is vital.

Additional Support at No Extra Charge
If you have questions, comments, or suggestions, just e-mail me at portraitpainting@studioarts.net

I wish you great success.
Bennecelli
 

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