Oil Painting Techniques Specialization

Influences / Anetta Lukjanova

Let's explore a range of influential artists, from Norman Rockwell's storytelling and emotional expressions to Rupert von Kaufmann's surreal atmospheres and bold textures. You’ll learn how Colleen Barry sculpts flesh with paint and how Nicolas Uribe fosters creativity through a fearless, process-driven approach. These artists will inspire you to balance technical skill, experimentation, and emotional depth in your own work.

Influences / Paul Neberra

During this lesson, you’ll explore how surrealism and storytelling shape artistic expression. Salvador Dalí’s dreamlike compositions and René Magritte’s striking aesthetics inspire imaginative worlds where reality meets fantasy. Frida Kahlo and Paula Rego’s deeply personal and emotive works showcase the power of self-reflection, cultural patterns, and strong female figures. Finally, Mark Ryden’s pop surrealism, with its whimsical, vintage-inspired characters and hidden messages, offers a playful yet thought-provoking perspective. These artists demonstrate how to merge narrative, emotion, and surreal elements into captivating artwork.

Influences / Nikolas Antoniou

You will study the work of four influential artists—Francis Bacon, Egon Schiele, Thomas Yurialis, and Jenny Saville. You’ll explore how their unique styles, use of color, distortion, and emotional depth shaped their art and inspired new approaches to figurative painting. You’ll also reflect on how observing their techniques can inform and inspire your own creative journey, encouraging you to experiment with form, texture, and emotion in your work.

Module 2

First of all, you will learn to transform everyday moments into evocative landscape paintings with Daphne Frizzle. Explore foundational techniques such as sketching, layering, and color mixing to bring your memories to life. By the end, you’ll create art that captures both beauty and emotion.

16 lessons (3h 21m)

In this first lesson, I'll introduce you to the essential tools every beginner needs to know.

I'll teach you my methods for collecting and using photos as inspiration. You'll learn how to see the world through an artist's lens.

Gathering Inspiration

Composition Basics

Understanding composition is critical. I'll guide you through the process of choosing images with substantial compositional value and explain why this matters in our work.

Understanding the Underpainting

Before applying any paint to a surface, I'll teach you the history and use of this powerful painting technique.

The Stain

During this lesson, I'll take you through the process of choosing the right hue for your underpainting.

Sketching With Line

Now, I'll introduce you to an effective way to think about line when using it to sketch in a composition.

Then, I'll show you how to set your painting up for success by sketching important information about the composition's values.

Sketching With Value

Color Theory and Pre-Mixing Your Palette 1

In this lesson, I'll teach you how to prepare your color palette before painting. I'll mix all the colors necessary in advance to maintain flow and focus on the artistic process, using a paint retarder to keep the paint wet and work comfortably.

Color Theory and Pre-Mixing Your Palette 2

It's time to explore advanced color mixing techniques for different areas of our composition, focusing on highlights, midtones, and shadows. I will guide you in mixing essential colors, such as yellows and purples, enhancing your ability to make quick adjustments as you paint. Remember, a well-prepared palette minimizes distractions, allowing you to maintain focus and efficiency throughout the artistic process.

Adjacent Color Comparison 1

In this lesson, I'll teach you how to apply our pre-mixed colors using tiling, color blocking, and back-to-front techniques. Starting with the sky, I simplify complex scenes into manageable layers, ensuring a smooth progression towards the final artwork.

Adjacent Color Comparison 2

Next, you'll see how to add a second layer of dark green to the trees, enhancing depth while allowing the orange undertone to peek through, adding vibrancy and a painterly quality. I'll teach you how to block the barn and grass colors, ensuring smooth transitions and proper edge quality.

Adjacent Color Comparison 3

During this part of the lesson, you'll see how to adjust cloud colors and use techniques like scumbling and glazing to intensify and harmonize colors, ensuring a realistic and dynamic depiction of the sky.

Adjacent Color Comparison 4

Now that the sky layer has dried, it's time to paint the layers in front, starting from the background to the front. I'll teach you how to work on the tree line, simplifying the detail by painting broader shapes and using negative space techniques. This approach creates the illusion of detailed foliage without painting every leaf, enhancing the overall texture and depth of the trees.

Adjacent Color Comparison 5

At this stage the foreground is ready, you'll see how to add the fence using a flat brush to get precise planks. This involves a stamping motion to control the width and placement. Adding touches such as shrubs, the wall blends into the environment naturally. Finally, 'll share some tips and tricks to paint the foreground tree, suggesting foliage without detailing each leaf, enhancing realism in the final layers of the composition.

Creative Problem Solving

Have you ever wondered how to face some problems? Don't panic! Here, I'll share some helpful tips and tricks for facing any unexpected problems during a painting session.

Final Adjustments and Stepping Back

To finish this module, I'll teach you the importance of stepping back from your work, gaining new perspectives and learning when to conclude a painting session.

Module 3

During this module, you will learn to create expressive oil portraits from scratch under the guidance of award-winning artist Jane French. Master color and value mixing, experiment with light and shade, and bring your subject’s likeness to life in vibrant, emotive artwork.

15 lessons (3h 14m)

Materials and the Equipment

Before working on a project, you need to get ready! Therefore, in this lesson, I will describe the materials and equipment I use to paint a portrait in oil.

Mixing and Applying Oil Paint

Now you will learn how to use mediums to adjust the consistency of oil paint. Also, I will show you how to use different brushes to make various marks and effects.

Tonal Values: Painting a Simple Object In Monochrome

How many colours do you need to paint? Sometimes just two are enough! During this lesson, you will see how to mix a range of tonal values and then use them to paint a simple object.

Colour Mixing: Painting a Simple Object in Full Colour 1

It's time for colour! That's why, in this lesson, you will learn to paint an object in full colour. I will also show you how to use the knowledge gained from the previous two lessons to assist you.

11m

Colour Mixing: Painting a Simple Object in Full Colour 2

During the second part of this lesson, I will show you the painting process, beginning with darker areas and moving towards lighter areas.

It's time to start making decision. Therefore, I will teach you how to select an appropriate photograph to use as a reference for an oil portrait.

The Reference Image

Preparing the Painting Surface and Drawing

In this lesson, I will explain how and why I apply coloured ground to my painting surface. I will also talk about the different methods of making the drawing prior to the paint application stage.

Pre-mixing Skin Tones and Painting the Dark Areas 1

Here, I will show you how to begin the painting process by pre-mixing a set of basic skin tones and then using them to paint some of the darker areas of the portrait.

Pre-mixing Skin Tones and Painting the Dark Areas 2

I will continue using the fourth of the pre-mixed values to start moving from the darkest to the increasingly lighter areas. Also, I will explain the increasing vibrancy of the hue, which is used to make more of an impact and create a more exciting, colourful, fresh artwork.

Blocking in Mid-Tones and Light Values 1

Now you will learn to block in the mid-tones and light values on the face by using the pre-mixed skin tones.

Blocking in Mid-Tones and Light Values 2

Next, I will teach you how to use brushstrokes that follow the contours of the face and features. You will also see how to gradually get lighter and lighter with your colours until you've fully blocked in the face.

Adding Highlights and Final Details 1

With the base skin tones complete, it's time to add highlights! Then, I will teach you how to paint the hair, clothing, and background.

17m

Adding Highlights and Final Details 2

In this second part of the lesson, you will see how to paint the background. I will teach you how to choose a colour to complement your portrait. I've chosen a bright blue because I think it will look good with the orange streaks in her hair. You may prefer a more neutral background or you may leave it as the original ground colour.

Working on a Series and Developing Your Practice

In this lesson, I will talk about the importance of continuing to develop your practice. I will suggest some ideas for working on a series.

Promoting Yourself and Your Work

To end this module, I will talk about how to promote yourself as an artist and how to find different ways to promote your artwork.

Module 4

In this module, you will learn to transform everyday scenes into stunning photorealistic artworks using oil paints. With guidance from Christopher Paul Stevens, you’ll master techniques that mimic photography and discover how to elevate the mundane into captivating, gallery-worthy pieces.

16 lessons (3h 55m)

First of all, I will show you all the materials you will need to create your project.

Choosing a Subject

Choosing and preparing for a subject to paint is just as important as the execution of the painting itself. We want to create something that is visually appealing to ourselves and the viewer. In this lesson, I will discuss the basic principles of design and the rule of thirds to create a visually compelling image. You will also learn how to photograph the subject and how to edit the scene. Keep in mind, the work you put in here will save you time once you are in the studio.

11m

The Illusion of Depth and Thinking in 3D

Now I will talk about the importance of creating depth and illusion of 3D on a 2D surface.

The Grid 1

The grid method is an inexpensive, low-tech way to reproduce and/or enlarge an image that you want to paint or draw. This method can be a fairly time-intensive process, so be patient and persistent. The work you do here will make the painting process easier. First, I will teach you how to do it by using Photoshop to add this grid to the image.

Next, you will learn how to draw the grid onto your canvas. Then you will see how to transfer the image by starting in the top corner.

The Grid 2

It's time to go a bit further. Therefore, in this lesson, you will learn how to use an acrylic raw sienna to tone the canvas. Ready?

Toning the Canvas

Color: Mix and Match

I will talk about how I lay out my studio. You will then learn to add pigment to the palette to begin mixing the colors you will need. Also, you will learn to match the colors as good as possible to source your image.

Blocking In and Details 1

It's about time to start painting! To begin, I will show you how to start blocking in. You will learn to add oil paint to your canvas, fill in basic shapes, and match colors as good as possible

Blocking In and Details 2

You will continue learning how to finish filling the pavement, which is the first section. Next, I will show you how to fill in shapes, but without going into details.

Blocking In and Details 3

I will continue giving you tips and tricks to keep painting. You will see how I move on my color palette to create the colors I need. Besides, you will also see how I paint to take care of light and shadows!

Blocking In and Details 4

Now I will teach you how to paint straight lines to distinguish what is what. You will see how to use the pointer liner to create fine lines. Remember to be patient, there's no rush!

Blocking In and Details 5

At this stage, you will see how I end the blocking-in stage, and how the painting looks realistic but a little blurry as if you were squinting your eyes. From here, I will teach you to add or sharpen any remaining details as needed.

12m

Glazing or Layering 1

Let's go over the process of glazing the painting. You will see how to cover the definition of “fat over lean” and its benefits to the life of the painting.

During this second part of the lesson, I will show you how and where to apply your glaze.

Glazing or Layering 2

Next, I will talk about the questions regarding varnishing, such as: should you varnish? What are the advantages of varnishing? When should you varnish? What type of varnish you should use? Then, I will go over the varnishing process and application.

Varnish

Finally, I will talk about framing options. I will share tips with you to show your work through social media or a gallery setting. I will wrap up with what to do at an opening and what to wear.

Show Your Work

Module 5

It's time to create a realistic oil-painted portrait infused with personal expression! Guided by artist Anetta Lukjanova, you’ll explore techniques inspired by old masters while incorporating digital tools for dynamic compositions. By the end, you’ll refine your style and bring your vision to life on canvas.

14 lessons (2h 54m)

In this lesson, I will introduce all the materials needed for the course to set you up for the painting process. I will run through their properties and why I like to use them.

Basic Head Structure and Lighting

Once you have your workspace set up, it's time to get drawing! In this lesson, you will learn how to replicate the general head structure and see how lighting affects it.

Gestures in Portraiture

Next, I will show you how to create a unique composition by altering your reference photo. For this purpose, I will be using Procreate.

Color Theory

Color is a powerful tool that will affect how your painting is received by the viewer. But how can you harness its power? In this lesson, I will teach you about color theory.

Let's put your painting skills into action! I will walk you through some exercises to do this. I will show you how to interpret the same reference image in different ways to flex your creative muscle.

Breaking the Stillness 1

I will now reinterpret the same reference image but with a more abstract color scheme. Because the first painting used warmer tones, I will experiment with a cooler palette.

Breaking the Stillness 2

To start with, I will analyze my sketch for the module project. I will then provide an example of how to draw the first version. Let's dive in!

First Sketch

Starting the Underpainting

In this lesson, I will help you to establish a base drawing of your reference with one color. This will be the underpainting.

Once the underpainting is ready, the next step is to lay down the lightest and darkest parts. We will also try finding the correct tones for each major color area.

Keying the Values

In this lesson, I will show you how to add smaller color areas and start sculpting the portrait form. We will consider the relationships between light and shadow.

Sculpting the Volume

Value and Saturation Relationships

Can you spot any mistakes in the color relationships? I will help you to analyze your painting and adjust forms and connect everything once again. By the end of the lesson, you will be one step closer to finishing the portrait.

To bring the painting to a strong finish, I will give an example of how to add the final details, accents, and focal points.

Finishing Touches

Different Ways to Challenge Your Palette

In this lesson, I will show you a few alternative color choices. An important part of finding your personal aesthetic is allowing your creative juices to flow. Let me show you how!

Final Tips on Expressive Mark Making

I will now provide a few tips on how to experiment with different mediums to create expressive marks. This can add further interest to your portraits.

Module 6

Now, you will learn to merge reality and fiction to create enchanting oil paintings. With guidance from artist Paul Neberra, you’ll master textural landscapes, anatomically precise eyes, and grayscale techniques. By the end, you’ll craft narrative-rich artworks that captivate the imagination.

16 lessons (3h 25m)

I will show you how to explore the different painting materials that you will need to create your final project. I will start to talk to you about oil paints and the different mediums that you can use; then, you will see the different types of brushes and how they apply to different situations. By the end of this lesson, you will understand different painting surfaces and the safety measures you need to know to handle solvents.

Mixing Medium and First Brush Strokes

You will learn to get comfortable with different types of brushes and understand with little exercises how and when to use them.

Eye Study

During this lesson, you will see how to create an anatomically correct eye, using only greyscale.

Now you are ready to take your first steps in painting the scenery with oils. I will help you to understand the foreground and background as the main colours!

Landscape Study

21m

Preparing the Canvas

Before you start your final project, you will prepare your canvas by priming it with gesso. This is a very important task before starting any painting because oils can deteriorate the canvas in time. You will also learn how to tint the canvas with Burnt Sienna after the gesso is dry.

Getting Ready

You will place all the materials on your table and understand that organizing the workplace is key.

Underpainting

The underpainting is a really important step of the painting process. While you are making this almost sketch-like illustration, you are defining your main composition and how your painting will look at the end.

21m

Painting the Eye 1

As mentioned before, the eye is one of the most important elements of the composition, it’s almost the soul of this painting, so you will spend some time on painting details.

I will teach you how to finish the last details of the eye. This part of the painting will take you more time than you think, but you will see it's totally worth it.

Painting the Eye 2

Merging the Eye With the Sky 1

During this lesson, you will learn to create a blur between the eye and the sky, and you will do so by blending the eyelids with the clouds. Don't worry, because I will give you many tips to achieve this successfully.

Merging the Eye With the Sky 2

Blending the eye with the sky and the clouds will be the key! I will continue sharing with you more tips for you to do it in your artwork. I will also teach you how to paint the mountains that are closer to the eye.

Finishing the Landscape 1

You will learn how to finish the painting! I will explain to you the different features of the scenery.

Finishing the Landscape 2

In this second part of the lesson, you will see how to finish the landscape by adding some details, besides I will share with you some additional tips to improve your artwork.

After the main painting is done, there’s always space for improvement! I will teach you some final details you should take care of.

Final Details 1

Details always matter! And when it comes to painting, it could help your artwork to look amazing. I will keep showing you how to do those details.

Final Details 2

Varnishing

This lesson is about adding the final touch to your painting. Varnishing will make all the beautiful colours pop out of the canvas, creating more contrast and saturation. I will talk to you about the safety measures you need to have. You will learn how to apply the retouch varnish with a large brush.

Module 7

In this module, you will explore how to create expressive and experimental portraits using oil, acrylic, and spray paints. Guided by artist Nikolas Antoniou, you’ll embrace creative freedom through texture, color, and intentional accidents. By the end, you’ll craft evocative portraits brimming with emotion and individuality.

16 lessons (3h 3m)

Portraits That Reflect Emotion

A portrait is not just an image of someone. It is also about feelings and thoughts. In this lesson, I will show you some ways to find and capture these emotions on your canvas.

Creating a painting needs you to make decisions. Those decisions are limited to the options you have on your palette. So let me get you through the materials.

Brushes and Spray Paint 1

There are many ways to use a material. You can always experiment and find out what helps you the most. In this lesson, I will show you how I use my brushes and spray paints.

Brushes and Spray Paint 2

Let's keep exploring the materials and how to use them.

12m

Creating Light with White Spirit

In this lesson, I will show you how to benefit from the white canvas and use white spirit to create smooth light textures on an oil painting.

How to Choose the Right Reference Image

It is important to have a reference image that you like! A reference image that makes you want to paint it. An image that already expresses an emotion, an image that reminds you of something or triggers an emotion.

Synthesis is such an important step in our preparation. With the use of Photoshop, we can easily play around with our reference image to see and decide the synthesis that will strengthen our final project. Doing this on Photoshop can give you the freedom to experiment with your subject before transferring it on the canvas.

Synthesis 1

It is now time to show you how to define the final syhtesis for a project. Keep in mind this is an important step, so don´t be afraid of take as many time as you need.

Synthesis 2

11m

The Power of Colors

Colors are power. Power that you need to control. In this lesson, I will show you which colors I prefer to use and why.

It is nice to have a canvas that makes you feel comfortable and eager to start painting. In this lesson, we will see how to create depth and break the flatness of the canvas.

Preparing Our Canvas

Create the Grid

In this lesson, you will learn a fast and easy technique to draw characteristics of the portrait from your reference image on your canvas.

The first few layers are the ones to determine the outcome of our process. I will now show you what I do to stay on the right track.

Shadow Layers

14m

Creating Accidents and Using Colors 1

Now that we have a strong base and we feel safe and happy with our portrait, it is time to experiment and be creative.

Creating Accidents and Using Colors 2

Let's keep building the color layer of our project, so that it will be ready for the final touches.

17m

Adding Elements to Make Our Work Stand Out

The portrait is almost done. We are happy with our colors and textures. The light is smooth, creating nice volumes. Now it's time to give our portrait the final touch to make it stand out.