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When I started out painting, acrylic paint was such a mystery to me. It would dry before I could even think about my next brush stroke, either on my surface or my palette. I didn’t have a clue how to make it work me and it frustrated me terribly!
Many paintings later, acrylic paint has become one of my favorite mediums to work with. It’s fast drying time has now become a blessing as it allows me to layer as much I want, without having to wait.
It’s that layered texture, built up carefully, that can give you the freedom to add enormous depth and visual interest to your projects. If you’re new to acrylics or just want to try some new techniques, without investing in a long-term course, this is an excellent project for you!
In over 1.5 hours of video I will guide you through the steps to mixing an easy palette, starting with big, bold strokes and refining your portrait as you go. This class was also taught by me on Kara Bullock’s year-long course Let’s Face It in 2019. It was received well and many wonderful projects came from it.
If you’d like to learn more about what this workshop is about, read on!
Much love,
Sabra
1. Color mixing
We’ll start by discussing what colors we’re going to use and how. I will explain a little bit about color temperature and how it effects your work. Then I will show you how to mix with these colors to create a beautiful collection of earthy tones.
2. Sketching & basic shapes
Sketching can be a little daunting for some, but don’t worry. We’ll take it step-by-step, using simple guidelines to help us. I will explain to you how to measure and apply. Some special attention is given to the hand!
3. Facial features
Working with broad strokes, we’ll lay down the foundation for the next parts. Working freely at the start of a project can give you confidence and help you with anxiety. We’ll use some alternatives to brushes as well, such as rags to paint with.
4. Color balance
In this part we’ll focus more on getting our colors balanced. Do you want colder highlights and warmer shadows? Or the other way around? And how does the color of your background influence your skin tones?
5. Details
It’s time to focus on some details and decide where we want them. With our general highlights and shadow already in, we’ll work on our mid tones to create a more natural looking portrait. And of course we can’t forget the hand! 😉
6. Final touches
Time to step back, look and see where we are and what we want to add or change. I’m making some alterations to the overall look and adding some texture with my rags. Then, it’s time to sit back and enjoy your efforts!
Here are the materials we're going to be working with. You can also download the supply list for more info on substitutions!
- Watercolor paper, any kind
- Acrylic paint in: Burnt Umber, Raw Umber, Red, Blue and White
- Two sizes of brushes, preferably square or angular
- Palette knife or a piece of cardboard
- A rag or cloth
- Charcoal for sketching
My goal is to make all my classes accessible for all levels, even if you're just starting out. It's also important to me that you have fun. If sketching isn't for you or if you feel like going straight into the painting process, feel free!
I have created drawing guides and outlines for you to use as you please. Trace them, transfer them, do what makes your art process feel good!
Looking for something and don't feel like watching all the videos again? No worries! I've created a PDF guide with all the painting steps, including still images from the videos for you.
€32.00Add to cart
Prices are in Euro's but during checkout you will be able to pay in your own currency. Use the converter below to get an estimation.
A workshop is generally shorter than a full course. It focusses on a specific technique and palette. Usually you can finish a workshop project in a few days.
When you register for any of my online workshops, you can login to you account here my website. From your account, you can access any course you’ve purchased. No need to get up or go out! 🙂
Your account and courses are private; that means only you can access them. You can access your available lessons any time that suits you. That also goes for lesson information, supply lists and reference photos. It’s all well organized in your course environment.
A self-paced course is open for registration throughout the year. When you sign up, you get immediate access to all the lessons in that course. You can go ahead and start right away! Track your progress by marking your lessons complete after finishing. You can work at your own pace whenever it’s convenient for you, there’s no set schedule. You can come back any time and resume or repeat lessons. If you have any questions, you can send me a message or post in my Facebook group. I don’t provide in-depth feedback on self-paced courses but I’m always around to help!
A live course start at a specific date and runs for a number of weeks. When you sign up, I will keep you informed through my mailing list. When we start, I will send you another email. You can log in and view the first available lessons. Every week a new lesson in provided until we’ve finished the course. After finishing the course, all lessons and content will remain available to you. So no worries if you fall behind or skip a week! You can go back, catch up or repeat lessons whenever you want! During the weeks that the course runs, I’ll be available daily in the private Facebook group for that course. You can interact with me and other students that are in the course!
Yes, you can download all videos and materials for private use!
Yes, this workshop is designed specifically to help you through the process of painting, step-by-step. Some techniques may prove to be a challenge but I will explain it to you in a way that allows you to follow exactly what I’m doing. There are several drawing guides that you can print out, to help you no matter your level. Please keep in mind that learning is a process. A beginner will need different expectations than an experienced painter. Don’t feel discouraged if you’re not able to master some techniques at once. Art is a skill you can hone and my art community is a safe and judgement-free zone where you can share your progress.
You can always access this workshop by logging in at my website. In the navigation menu, go to “My account” and you will see your workshop there.
When you do a self-paced workshop, you can ask any questions or share work in my private Facebook community. I will be there often to reply or answer questions!
You can download the supply list for this workshop from this page! Scroll up a bit and you will see the button.
Because this workshop is instantly accessible and downloadable, I cannot grant refunds on it.
For workshops, I unfortunately can’t provide a payment plan.
No, not at all! If you have any questions during a live course, you can also email me for feedback.
Lifetime access means that the courses you’ve purchased will be available to you on this website for as long as the course is for sale and I’m in business. Should that time ever end, I will inform you and give you plenty of time to download videos and materials that you want to keep.
You can contact me using the form on this website under “Contact Me”. You can also send me a message on Facebook or Instagram.
I live in the Netherland so all my class prices are shown in Euros (€). When you check out, your payment will automatically be converted to your own currency at the current exchange rate. No extra costs are involved and you don’t have to do anything! If you want to check what this course will cost in your own currency, you can get a good estimate with the converter below.
