In this class, we move beyond the idea of a single “skin color” and explore how a wide range of hues—cool and warm, soft and bold—work together to create a lifelike, dimensional portrait. Through observation and guided exercises, we’ll look at how light, shadow, and surrounding colors influence what we see, helping you build a more nuanced and expressive approach to painting faces.

Rather than getting caught up in tiny details, we’ll focus on simplifying facial forms into clear shapes and values. This allows you to understand structure first, then layer in color in a way that feels intuitive and fluid. You’ll learn how to suggest features with confidence, using brushwork and color relationships to create depth and personality without overworking the piece.

This class encourages a looser, more interpretive style of portrait painting—one that embraces visible brushstrokes, unexpected color choices, and a sense of movement. It’s a space to experiment, take risks, and let go of perfection in favor of capturing the energy and essence of a face.

Class Details
Sunday, July 19
Non-Members: $70 per person
Limited to 8 students
Open to ages 16+