Demystifying Portrait Painting (Online Class)

Demystifying Portrait Painting - Online

Aidan Barker-Hill | Spring II | Mondays: Mar 2 - Apr 6

Class Description:

Have you ever felt stuck or wondered "how should I start? How do I move forward on this painting?"

If you have, then this is the class for you! We will cover exactly how to progress from start to finish and answer any questions that arise. Following an organized and clear procedure is an essential part of painting. The objective of the course is to learn a logical, step-by-step process to painting, with emphasis on the portrait. Topics covered include the two-value statement, head construction/perspective, light logic, color theory, and materials for painting. This is a 6-week online class and students will work from a model every week. The class consists of lectures, demonstrations, and one-on-one critiques.

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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:	3/02/2026	6:30 - 9:30 pm ET
Week 2:	3/09/2026	6:30 - 9:30 pm ET
Week 3:	3/16/2026	6:30 - 9:30 pm ET
Week 4:	3/23/2026	6:30 - 9:30 pm ET
Week 5:	3/30/2026	6:30 - 9:30 pm ET
Week 6:	4/06/2026	6:30 - 9:30 pm ET

Before Class - Welcome & How to Prepare for Class
Week 1 - Head Structure and the Magic of the 2 Value Statement
Week 2 - How to Render: Controlling the Chaos of Oil Paint
Week 3 - Deconstructing Perception: The Simultaneous Contrast Illusion and Light Logic
Week 4 - How to Juggle Color, Value, and Shape
Week 5 - Light Logic applied to Color
Week 6 - How to Compose a Compelling Portrait
After Class - Wrap Up

$320.00
Online
6 Weeks
Beginner to Advanced

Meet Your Instructor

Aidan Barker-Hill

Instructor

Aidan Barker-Hill is originally from Reno, Nevada. He received his BFA from Laguna College of Art and Design in California and his MFA from the New York Academy of Art. His studio practice is centered around portraiture and depictions of the human form. He currently resides in New York and teaches painting at the NYAA and is enormously thankful to have the opportunity to pass his knowledge onto students through painting classes. Barker-Hill is also a recipient of the Elizabeth Greenshields Grant, an Art Renewal Center Finalist, and is represented by Arcadia Contemporary in NYC.