Why Textured Portraits Work So Well in Cold Wax
Textured portraits are one of my favorite ways to paint! With cold wax and oils, you can build layered surfaces, scrape back into paint, and let unexpected marks bring your portrait to life. In this online class, I share how I approach textured portraits from the first abstract base layers to the final expressive details. You’ll learn how to keep the face believable while still allowing texture and looseness in the painting.
If you’re new to this process, start with How to Use Cold Wax Medium.
I revamped my 'Fabulous Faces’ class with new content and turned it into Expressive Portraits with Cold Wax, Oils & Acrylics!💙
There’s something incredibly magical about watching a face emerge from the abstract layers of color, mark-making, and texture. Over the years, portraits have become my true passion. First my portraits were very detailed but then I decided to embrace imperfection and found my own style through exploring and experimenting.
That’s exactly what this class is about.
This portrait class is for you if...
You’ve always wanted to capture more feeling and personality in your work.
You’re tired of chasing “perfect” likeness and ready to explore something more intuitive.
You’re curious about combining bold marks, layered textures, and expressive drawing.
You want to loosen up, experiment, and discover your unique portrait style.
To understand layering better, read Building Textures with Cold Wax.
Whether you’re working with cold wax and oils or using acrylics and Powerwax, you’ll learn how to build layered portraits that are rich with depth and character. I’ve included in-depth projects in both mediums, so you can follow along with what suits you best, or even try both!
My Layering Process from Abstract Base to Face
This isn’t about rigid step-by-step copies. We’ll work with proportion, value and skin color mixing , but in a loose and intuitive way that allows your own artistic voice to shine through. You’ll see me make decisions, change my mind, and let the painting evolve, just like in real life (although I edited out my hours of contemplation and fiddling🙃).
You’ll also have lifetime access, so you can take it at your own pace. And just because it’s self-paced doesn’t mean you’re on your own, I’m there to support you, even if you join later or take your time.
If you want to know more about painting textured portraits, explore How to Create Expressive Portraits.
