Introduction to Portrait Painting in Oils

Class Name: Introduction to Portrait Painting in Oils
When: 6 Classes / September 8th - October 13th, Tuesdays 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Where: Marlborough Arts Center
Who: Adults
Level: Beginner to Intermediate
Prerequisite: Basic drawing experience is required, as students will be drawing the portrait directly onto the canvas with a brush. If you have any questions, please contact the instructor by email: gabrielle@gcastleart.com
Cost: $160
Instructor: Gabrielle Castle

Note: There is a six student minimum for this class to run. Registered students will be notified as soon as six paid registrations are confirmed. Please refrain from purchasing materials until the class has been confirmed.

Class Policies: Be sure to read the Class Policies here before registering

Registration: Tap here for registration form
_{Members get registration access 1 week in advance.}_{More info here.}_{Membership levels start at only $25.}

6-Week Portrait Painting in Oils: Introduction to Portrait Painting with a Limited Palette:

Unlock the joy of portraiture in a warm, supportive studio environment. This 6-week oil painting course invites you to slow down, simplify, and master the human face using a comforting limited palette. By focusing on fewer colors, you can feel confident learning the secrets of form, rich light, and capturing a true likeness without feeling overwhelmed.

Every session begins with a relaxed, 45-minute live demonstration. Your instructor breaks down each step before guiding you through your own painting time with gentle, personalized feedback.

Because we will dive right into painting with our brushes, basic drawing experience is required to help you confidently sketch your portrait onto the canvas.

Come as you are, build your confidence, and create an oil portrait you will be proud of!

Course Objective:

Students will learn the fundamentals of portrait painting using a photo reference (provided by the instructor) through a limited palette, focusing on form, value relationships, color mixing, and likeness.

By the end of the class, students will:

Understand the fundamentals of portrait structure and proportion
Analyze what makes a good photo reference
Develop a stronger understanding of likeness and form
Mix convincing flesh tones using a limited palette
Control values and edges effectively
Create an oil portrait from a photo reference

Each class will begin with approximately 45 minutes of live demonstration, followed by guided painting time.

Materials:

Important: Please adhere to the materials list provided here: 👉 MATERIALS LIST For any questions regarding the supplies, please contact the instructor. Email:

gabrielle@gcastleart.com

About the Instructor:

Gabrielle Castle is an emerging figurative and portrait painter. Her work blends traditional techniques with contemporary flair, marked by masterful use of color, intricate detailing, and striking composition. Gabrielle's work has received recognition in international competitions including The Almenara Art Prize, Tartget Prize, and 18th International ARC Salon Competition.

Most notably, her painting was featured on the cover of Fine Art Connoisseur magazine's December 2025 issue, as well as highlighted in the "Three to Watch" section. Gabrielle's work has been displayed at numerous venues, such as the MEAM in Barcelona, and exhibits regularly at the prestigious Salmagundi Club in Manhattan.

Her vision captures the interplay of light, shadow, color, and expression, producing original works alongside commissioned portraits for private collections. Emotions that exist for only a moment can be witnessed in a painting for a lifetime.

Gabrielle Castle (207) 530-7418

Email: gabrielle@gcastleart.com

Website: gcastleart.com

Instagram: @gcastleart

Make sure you're signed up for the MAC email announcements and be the first to know about our latest offerings including classes, performances, art shows and more!
https://www.marlborougharts.org/email-sign-up

^{(easy unsubcribe link in every message we send)}