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 Form - Begin laying in colour for hair, beard and clothing.
- Mixing Flesh Tones - Learn how to construct a colour palette used in classical portraiture and practise creating a “flesh ball” before applying the technique to your portrait.
- 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, 6:15pm - 9:15pm
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 and Newton (or equivalent quality) Titanium White
- Winsor and Newton (or equivalent quality) Yellow Ochre light
- Winsor and Newton (or equivalent quality) Cadmium Red
- Winsor and Newton (or equivalent quality) Cadmium Yellow
- Winsor and Newton (or equivalent quality) Burnt Umber
- Old Holland Red Umber
- Winsor and Newton (or equivalent quality) Raw Umber
- Winsor and Newton (or equivalent quality) Ivory Black
- Winsor and Newton (or equivalent quality) Olive Green
Brushes
- 3-4 Soft Filbert brushes sized between 1-3
- 1-2 Soft Filbert brushes size 4-5
Other Materials
- Rags and/or paper towel
- Palette and Palette knife
- Turpentine (no-odour turpentine preferred)
- Linseed oil
- 2 Small jars to mix medium in and turpentine to clean brushes, medium jar to stand brushes in
- Black Comte stick or compressed charcoal to cover back of original image ready for creating outline
- Any 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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