• LIVE ONLINE CLASS - STARTS SATURDAY, JUNE 27th, 2026 •
Classical Portrait in Oil - Grisaille Underpainting
Learn the classical method of creating a grey underpainting and layering color over it for life-like portraits.Â
Live online classes are recorded if you can't attend live. Classes meet JUNE 27, JULY 11, 18, 25, AUG 1 & 8
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What You'll Learn:
- Learn a practical method for creating a portrait study in oil in color, starting with a grisaille (grey) underpainting.
- How to slow down and find fine nuance in the model, while still having fun and avoiding tedium.
- A limited flesh palette inspired by the old masters. Students find this much easier to use than the typical impressionistic full palette
- All about getting accurate drawing, form, light, values and color.
Skill level:
Though some drawing or painting experience is recommended, this class is great for students of all skill levels. I'm a big believer in jumping in with both feet, wherever the students skill level stands.
 Saturdays 10am - 1pm PST • Classes recorded for those that can't attend live
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The Classical PortraitÂ
This class is a structured, long-form exploration of classical portrait painting in oil, focused on developing strong fundamentals through sustained observation, disciplined process, and historically grounded technique. The aim is to cultivate a deeper understanding of the artistic and technical choices that give portrait painting its power, clarity, and presence.
What you can expect in the class
You can expect live-online weekly instruction, in-depth demonstrations, and a clear, structured progression from block-in through refinement, along with full access to session recordings for review. Participants in the feedback tier will receive direct critique on their work, while all students benefit from observing critiques, discussions, and the complete instructional process, gaining a repeatable framework they can apply to future paintings.
Format
Live zoom class meeting Saturdays starting June 27nd, from 10am - 1pm PST for 6 weeks - I'll be painting a demo each class and you'll paint along using the same reference. Individual feedback will be given at the beginning of each class for those enrolled in the Feedback tier. Â
All class sessions will be recorded so you can watch or re-watch on your own time. Class recordings will be available for 30 days after the last class. Â
Students in the Feedback tier will receive paint-over feedback at the beginning of each class.
Students in the Audit tier can participate in the weekly Zoom session to observe a live demo and paint along. They will receive reference photos and a recording of the class but won't have the opportunity to actively engage in the session or receive feedback on their own work.
Enroll for this class here
Feedback Tier
$225
Full 6-Week Live Zoom Class - Starts Jun 27
- Weekly class meeting with live demo
- Individual feedback at the beginning of each class
- Reference photos to work from
- Questions answered during class
- Recorded demo sent each week for replayÂ
Audit Tier
$75
Full 6-Week Live Zoom Class - Starts Jun 27
- View weekly class meeting with live demo (no instructor feedback at this level but watch and paint along)
- Reference photos to work from
- Recorded demo sent each week for replay
What students are saying
Jimena Agra
@himepaints
"Ben’s Zoom class was a fantastic experience to learn the layering techniques as it allowed me to explore a whole new method of painting. He is a very skilled instructor, encouraging and we certainly enjoyed getting deep into his knowledge of the old master's techniques and today’s art world. Would highly recommend it to anyone looking to improve their painting skills."
Emma-Lisa Hansson
@strongbyemma_art
"Without any traning in the classical art I felt lost and wasn't improving. It changed when I found Ben's courses. Under Ben's supervision I developed more and faster then I ever thought possible. He provided the tools I needed to analyze my paintings and he also provided knowledge on materials and how to use them. I can highly recommend Ben's courses for anyone that like me, feelt lost and stuck and are at the beginning stage of art making. His courses are perfect both for beginners as well as advanced students. The mix of students provides knowhow for the explorative mind and for the artist that wants to develop further. Ben is an excellent teacher and tends to the individual needs of each of his students where ever they might be in their art journey. Ben is a master in his craft and I'm so happy that he shares his knowledge in a generous way with his peers."
Alex Quinn
@_alexquinn_
With so many teaching direct methods, I'm really glad I found a teacher who is excellent at painting in layers like much of the old masters did. I've always found myself looking forward to each lesson with Ben, because he just makes the process of figuring painting out so enjoyable. Lastly, he is a wealth of resource on all things pigments, mediums, and surfaces!