Color Theory in the Portrait (In-Person Class)

Color Theory in the Portrait - In Person

Leda Brittenham | Spring II | Wednesdays: Mar 4 - Apr 8

Class Description:

A new perspective on color theory as it pertains to portrait painting.

Learn the basics of color mixing, how to identify warm and cool colors, and how to use complementary colors to create dynamic shadows. Throughout the course, we will use a chromatic palette to create vibrant portraits. Students will learn how to execute a self-portrait from life. We will tackle the logistical issues of self-portraiture including where to place a mirror, how to create an ideal lighting set-up, and the optimal way to pose while being your own subject. We will also discuss formal concerns: composition, value, and temperature. In the final two weeks of the course, students will learn how to translate photography into painting, while preserving an interesting and rich color palette.

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Spring II Session Dates:

Scheduled occurrences for the next semester of this class are as follows:

Week	Date	Time
Week 1:	3/04/2026	6:30 - 9:30 pm ET
Week 2:	3/11/2026	6:30 - 9:30 pm ET
Week 3:	3/18/2026	6:30 - 9:30 pm ET
Week 4:	3/25/2026	6:30 - 9:30 pm ET
Week 5:	4/01/2026	6:30 - 9:30 pm ET
Week 6:	4/08/2026	6:30 - 9:30 pm ET

Before Class - Welcome & How to Prepare for Class
Week 1 - Color Theory and Planes of the Head
Week 2 - Mirror Study
Week 3 - Self-Portrait from Life
Week 4 - Self-Portrait from Life
Week 5 - Photo Reference Portrait
Week 6 - Mirror in Interior 1

$320.00
In-Person
6 Weeks
Intermediate to Advanced

Meet Your Instructor

Leda Brittenham

Instructor

Leda Brittenham grew up in upstate New York. She attended SUNY Plattsburgh where she studied Painting and Sculpture and French. In 2014, she spent 4 months painting in the South of France at the Marchutz School where she studied Impressionists and Post-Impressionists. In 2019 she graduated with her MFA in Painting from the New York Academy of Art. She has taught at the New York Art Studio and City College. Brittenham has shown her work throughout New York City and is preparing for an upcoming solo show at Frostburg University in Maryland. She lives and works in Ridgewood, Queens.