Using the Caravaggio colour palette for portraiture
Course Overview
This hands-on workshop introduces participants to the fundamentals of classical portrait painting.
Delivered over two sessions, it gives you time to build your portrait step by step and refine your technique.
Working from a provided reference image, you will learn how to construct a portrait from the ground up using traditional methods. We will explore tonal values, colour mixing and layering to bring depth and life to your subject.
This workshop is Ideal for beginners with some painting experience or anyone looking to refine their portrait skills.
Workshop Breakdown
This workshop runs across two sessions. Each session will guide you through key stages of creating a classical portrait.
Preparing the Canvas - Trace your image onto a campitura (burnt umber) background and adjust your drawing as needed.
Establishing Shadows and Background - Block in shadows and background tones to create structure.
Building the Layers - Begin laying in colour for hair, beard and clothing.
Mixing Flesh Tones - Learn how to create a balanced flesh colour palette and practice mixing a “flesh ball” to understand tonal variations.
Developing the Portrait - Apply and refine flesh tones, working through variations in light and dark areas to build form.
Final Details - Add finishing touches and subtle adjustments to bring your portrait to life.
Workshop Dates & Times
Workshop Option 1: Saturday 17 & Sunday 18 January, 9:30am - 12:30pm
Workshop Option 2: Tuesday 20 & Wednesday 21 January, 6:30pm - 9:30pm
Please note: Each workshop runs as a full two-session program. Participants must attend both sessions of the chosen option. Dates cannot be mixed.
Materials List
Paints (Winsor & Newton or equivalent): Titanium White, Yellow Ochre Light, Cadmium Red, Cadmium Yellow, Burnt Umber, Old Holland Red Umber, Raw Umber, Ivory Black, Olive Green
Brushes: 3–4 Soft Filberts (sizes 1–3), 1–2 Soft Filberts (sizes 4–5)
Other: Rags/paper towel, palette & knife, turpentine (odorless preferred), linseed oil, 2 small jars, medium jar for brushes, black Comte stick/charcoal, pen
What you will take home
A finished portrait and practical skills in colour mixing, brushwork and building form, giving you the confidence to continue exploring portrait painting.
Testimonials
“I absolutely loved the class today! The friendly and welcoming atmosphere made it such an enjoyable experience. Neil explained everything clearly with step by step guidance and I really appreciated how attentive he was. He gave helpful, constructive feedback throughout the session which made me feel supported and encouraged at every stage. It was so inspiring and a great learning experience".
“Neil is a fantastic teacher. The workshop was well organised, prepared and structured. Clear instructions to the group plus plenty of individual feedback and encouragement. The room set up was great - good location - a great group in the class too!This class was very well done. Plenty of individual feedback and encouragement. I had done some portraits before but learnt a lot from Neil in this workshop. Several people had never done a portrait before and everyone produced something really good!”
“Knowledgeable tutor - great demonstrations and generous instruction. Amazing that we did so much in one session”
“I enjoyed learning some new technique and the explanations - Neil was great, very clear”
“The atmosphere was relaxed but focused”.
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About the tutor
Neil Jackson
Neil Jackson is an Australian artist whose practice is shaped by a deep appreciation for both Renaissance realist traditions and the unique character of the Australian landscape.
His training began at the North Shore Art School under Mike Lamble, where he studied between 1994–1998 and again from 2015–2025, developing strong foundations in drawing, composition, and painting.
In October 2022, he further refined his portraiture skills through an intensive workshop at the Angel Academy of Art in Florence, Italy. Focussing on old masters techniques he uses a well known process to recreate portraits using shadows, planes of light and colour. Neil has also attended several Portraiture and specialist courses through the National Art School (NAS) in Sydney.
Neil’s work has been recognised in several prestigious art prizes.
He has twice been a finalist in the Waverley 9 x 5 Art Prize, as well as a finalist in the Mosman Art Prize (2002), the Camberwell Art Prize, and most recently The Little Things Art Prize (2025).
In 2023, he curated and presented a sold-out solo exhibition of Australian landscape paintings, with proceeds supporting vital medical research for the Black Dog Institute.
Drawing inspiration from Renaissance masters as well as the light and textures of the Australian environment, Neil’s art explores the balance between timeless technique and a contemporary connection to place.
As his practice continues to evolve, he is focused on developing further in portraiture as well as landscape painting, seeking to unite classical traditions with the spirit of the Australian land.
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