Subtractive Oil Portrait

Discover a timeless and classical approach to portrait painting in this immersive two-day, in-person class led by professional artist Constantino Milan. Subtractive Oil Portrait is designed to introduce you to one of the most effective and foundational techniques for achieving realism, depth, and striking likeness in your portraits.

On Day One, you’ll focus on building the essential foundation of your painting through a dark subtractive layer in oil. This powerful method begins with a fully toned canvas, from which you’ll carefully remove paint to reveal light, form, and structure, training your eye to see values with precision and clarity.

On Day Two, you’ll refine and elevate your portrait as you develop highlights, adjust values, and add nuanced details. This stage brings cohesion and life to your work, guiding you toward a more polished and realistic final painting.

Rooted in fundamental, time-tested principles, this class is designed to be highly informative, practical, and accessible to artists at any level. You’ll gain insight into a professional workflow while building skills that can be applied to any portrait subject.

By the end of the workshop, you’ll complete a compelling portrait and walk away with a deeper understanding of how to construct realistic paintings through value control, careful observation, and intentional technique.

What You’ll Gain:

• A classical, structured approach to realistic portrait painting
• Hands-on experience with the subtractive oil painting method
• Improved understanding of value, form, and light in portraiture
• Insight into professional techniques for achieving realism and likeness