Painting the Portrait:

Traditional Techniques for Modern Artists

Channel Old Masters’ secrets with Albert Slark, acclaimed portrait artist and illustrator of 600+ book covers. Transform oil and observation into timeless portraits—mastering light, structure, and emotion under live-model guidance. For artists ready to bridge classical discipline with vivid emotional resonance.

In this master-level taster course, Albert Slark, an accomplished portrait artist, will guide students through the process of painting portraits from life using oil paints, rooted in the timeless techniques of the Old Masters. Drawing from his extensive experience—having illustrated over 600 book covers and created celebrity portraits for USPS commemorative stamps—Albert brings a wealth of knowledge in lighting, composition, and capturing the essence of the human figure.

Throughout the course, students will learn how to approach portraiture with confidence and precision, exploring traditional methods for capturing likeness, structure, and emotion. From masterful compositions to navigating complex lighting situations, students will be taught how to create portraits that speak with depth and life. Through in-depth, step-by-step instruction, students will refine their brushwork, colour mixing, and use of light to elevate their portraiture practice.

This course is designed for all levels and professionals alike, seeking a comprehensive introduction to oil painting and portraiture, and provides an opportunity to connect with a time-honoured tradition of portraiture while building their artistic skills under the guidance of a highly skilled portrait artist.

Understand the fundamentals of portraiture, beginning with a strong drawing, exploring the planes of the head, proportions, structure, and expression.
Learn oil painting techniques rooted in the traditions of the Old Masters to create lifelike portraits. Dynamic brush work, paint application, impasto strokes, glazing and scumbling.
Master lighting and composition, learning how to create dynamic, natural-looking portraits under traditional ¾ lighting, to see shadows, half-tones and highlights. For a 3-dimenational effect.
Develop skills in colour mixing and skin tone application, bringing realism and vibrancy to the portrait, unifying the painting by adding backgrounding elements to the portrait.
Gain confidence in painting from life, working with live models to capture personality and likeness.
Create a completed portrait that reflects both technical proficiency and emotional depth, honing their individual portrait style.

Drawing materials
1-2B (Staedtler brand) pencil, 1-kneaded eraser, 1-white Staedtler eraser, 1 pad of Cartridge paper, 1 graphite stick 6b, and 1 ballpoint Bick pen.
Oil Paints
Gamblin
Naples Yellow
Windsor & Newton 37ml (Artist Quality) or whatever brand works for you!
Yellow Ochre, Cad Yellow deep, Tera Rosa, Alizarin Crimson, Burnt Sienna, Burnt umber, Ultramarine Blue (green Shade) Viridian Green, Ivory Black,
Titanium white large tube 200ml
Canvas
1 Fredrix Canvas Pad 12x16”
Palette knife, metal paint cups for medium and thinner, rags and paper towel.
2 disposable white palettes 9x12” one for mixing, the other for arranging.
Mediums Walnut oil, Odorless mineral spirits.
Brushes: Above ground brand (filberts)
Synthetic 3600 kf white Taklon # 4 ,6,8,10,
1 round 2A 3600 kf white Taklon
Fan Brushes
Bristle #1, #3555, Soft synthetic #6, #6619
Hogs Hair Bristle Brushes (filberts)
interlock 4520b # 4, 8, 10 12 ..
Also bring whatever brushes you have.