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The Portrait in Oil (In-Person)

$615

with Roberto Osti

Current session started Jul 10, 2025 at 9 am, runs for 6 weeks

Thursdays, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Instructor: Roberto Osti
Six-Week Condensed Course (36 Hours)
Credit: Non-Credit or 1.0 Undergraduate Credit (See Below)

Paint portraits from a variety of models using the direct painting method. Examine the proportions and volumes of the head, as well as the placement, structure, and characteristics of the facial features, through preliminary drawings and demonstrations. Develop color using a limited palette to understand how to use chroma, temperature, value, tint, and tone. Instruction will address materials, composition, paint handling, and color mixing, blending, and theory. Homework assignments working from photos, Masterworks, or oneself/others will encourage students to learn to make personal aesthetic and technical choices and to practice concepts addressed in class. Open to all levels, this course is excellent for beginners as well as experienced students who want to review fundamental techniques or who simply enjoy painting portraits from life. Note: Course tuition includes a $75 model fee.

Optional: This course is available for 1.0 undergraduate credit for $770 (including models fee). Select credit option with price adjustment when registering.

Image: Roberto Osti, Copy from William Paxton - Class Demonstration, oil on canvas.

Register by: July 3
Materials List
Summer 2025 CE Policy Guide, including withdrawal/refund policies

Portrait Drawing: Expression and Likeness (In-Person)

$320

with RA Friedman

Current session started Jul 10, 2025 at 6 pm, runs for 6 weeks

Thursdays, 6 – 9 p.m.
Instructor: RA Friedman
Six-Week Short Course (18 Hours)
Credit: Non-Credit Only

For anyone seeking to advance their portrait drawing skills to the next level, this course takes a deep look at the functional and expressive anatomy of the human head including the face, neck, and shoulders. Explore head variations and how the face changes over time. Experiment with creative questions such as handling light and composition. Content includes drawing from life and working in larger formats with a wider range of media. Instruction will lay the groundwork for creative explorations that lead to professional quality work. Tuition includes a $25 models fee.

Note: For foundational or alternative study, see Portrait Drawing: Structure and Features. Students need not enroll in both sections, and Structure and Features is not required for Expression and Likeness.