Advanced Portraiture Workshop

This workshop explores advanced portraiture techniques and methodology as taught at the Barcelona Academy of Art, where Tessa completed her studies. Each day begins with a focused lecture, followed by live-model sessions featuring individual critiques, demonstrations, and hands-on instruction throughout.




Day One will focus on draftsmanship and materials. Ideally, students will arrive with their canvases already toned so they can begin establishing their drawings in charcoal on canvas—or on paper for those who prefer transferring. Topics will include canvas preparation, gesso, the purpose of toning, different types of charcoal, the importance of beginning with a strong drawing, and how to construct a structural portrait drawing. I will also cover comparative measurement versus sight-size methods, maintaining consistent measurements, using plumb lines, and other foundational drawing techniques. Approximately one hour will be dedicated to lecture and demonstration, followed by two hours of working from the model.

Day Two will focus on beginning the painting. I will start with a 30–60-minute demonstration covering palette organization, mixing skin tones, working with mediums, and my recommended approach to the first painting session. The remainder of the class will be devoted to painting from the model while I circulate, offer critiques, and work individually with students.

Day Three will focus on refinement and finishing. After a 30–60-minute lecture discussing the goals for the day and approaches to developing form and detail, students will spend the majority of the session painting from the model while receiving individual feedback. The workshop may also include an additional 30 minutes at the end for questions, discussion, resource sharing, and a group conversation about each student’s experience and progress throughout the workshop.

Materials List: 

Soft Charcoal

Soft eraser 

linen canvas board (come with you canvas already toned and dry so that we may begin under drawings and paintings day 1)

walnut or linseed oil (ideally bleached)

Gamblin gamsol or speedball mona lisa odorless paint thinner

Paint List:

Limited pallet (easier for beginners, less range for color variety and accuracy):

Titanium white

yellow ochre 

cadmium red or vermillion

raw Umber 

Ultramarine blue

Expanded pallet: 

cadmium yellow

alizarin Crimson permanent or red oxide 

Brushes: These are recommendations rather than strict requirements. Students who already own suitable brushes should feel free to use what they have.

Ideally, each student should have:

- Three medium-sized bristle brushes (for lights, midtones, and darks)
-Three small to medium synthetic brushes for portrait features and general refinement
-Two small synthetic detail brushes

Optional materials: 

Monocero Eraser