Classical Portrait Painting

Join acclaimed painter and instructor Paul Chizik for an immersive two-day workshop devoted to the art of classical portrait painting in oils. Known for his mastery of traditional techniques and his ability to bridge classical training with Impressionistic and alla prima approaches, Paul offers a clear, comprehensive pathway for artists looking to elevate their portrait practice.

Throughout the weekend, Paul will introduce students to a range of foundational and expressive methods, including Chiaroscuro, classical modelling, Impressionistic colour use, and both alla prima and ébauche techniques.

Students will explore:

• Chiaroscuro: Developing a strong value structure to support convincing three-dimensional form
• Working from photographs: Improving observational accuracy, brushwork control, and the translation of reference material into lifelike portraits
• Classical oil-painting discipline: Building portraits through careful drawing, accurate proportion, and controlled transitions
• Alla Prima technique: Painting “all at once,” applying wet paint into wet layers to create fresh, immediate portraits. Paul will demonstrate how to simplify forms, commit to decisive brushstrokes, maintain clean colour mixtures, and work efficiently while preserving vitality in the final image.
• Ébauche technique: Establishing the painting through a transparent or semi-opaque underpainting. Students will learn how to block in major shapes, refine value masses, and build subtle modelling using thin, warm undertones before applying more opaque layers. This foundational method helps unify the portrait, control values, and create a luminous, harmonized final effect.

With a strong focus on understanding light and form, students will gain practical strategies for constructing portraits that feel dimensional, expressive, and structurally sound. Paul’s demonstrations will guide participants step-by-step through the stages of building a portrait, from initial lay-in to final refinements.

By the end of the workshop, artists will leave with a solid understanding of classical portrait methodology, enhanced brushwork, and a deeper confidence in blending traditional and contemporary oil techniques.