Painting the Human Spirit: Portrait & Figure Oil Painting with Mark Creamer
January 20 – March 10 (8 Tuesdays)
1 – 3 pm
$180 CAE Member / $198 Non-Member
Minimum Students: 3 / Maximum Students: 10

Explore the timeless art of painting people in this engaging oil painting course for beginner to intermediate artists. Through step-by-step individualized guidance and feedback, you’ll learn how to capture the human form with accuracy, feeling, and mood. Whether you’re new to oils or looking to strengthen your technique, this course will address compositional considerations and the cultivation of a personal approach to painting. Along the way, you’ll gain a better understanding of anatomy, proportion, color, and composition—everything you need to bring your portrait and figure paintings to life. When it comes to a subject you’d like to paint, you can choose a full figure, close-up portrait, or anything in between—it’s up to you! Please just bring a reference photo to class (or Mark can help you pick one).

What you’ll learn:
• Techniques to express likeness and gesture
• Tips for understanding anatomy and structure beneath the surface
• Color theory and mixing to achieve realistic skin tones
• Ways to capture light, shadow, and form
• Brushwork, layering, and glazing approaches for depth and texture

Bring a printed or digital reference image you’d like to paint, or work with Mark to choose one that excites you. Whether you’re new to oils or looking to strengthen your skills, this class will set you up for success.

Recommended Supplies:
A detailed supply list is provided, but flexibility is welcome! Bring what you have, and Mark will help you make the most of it.