Building the Surface
Rich, textured layers that create movement, depth, and a beautiful foundation for the portrait to grow from.
Textured Modigliani in Acrylics
Quiet elegance and elongated forms, in turquoise and gold.
Mini Class · Acrylics & Texture Medium
Love portraits, but tired of them feeling too complicated?
In this class I guide you step by step through painting a textured Modigliani-inspired portrait in turquoise, with a touch of gold.
We start with the texture, build the colour up slowly, and then let the portrait appear bit by bit — in a way that feels relaxed, playful, and really doable.
Start anytime, work at your own pace, and enjoy lifetime access. This is a self-guided class, but you can always reach out by email with questions.
The inspiration
Why Modigliani is such a beautiful subject to paint
Modigliani's portraits are simple, elegant, and full of feeling. They focus less on tiny details and more on atmosphere, elongated forms, and quiet expression. Less detail. More soul.
My 3-step method
This is what we'll do together
The same three steps I use in every painting, explained as we go.
Letting the Colour Glow
Luminous turquoise, greens, neutrals and touches of gold, so the painting begins to glow with atmosphere.
Bringing the Portrait Forward
We draw and paint the portrait into the layered surface, keeping it elegant, expressive, and beautifully restrained.
Acrylics & texture medium
Acrylics, a texture medium, and a few basic layering tools.
Less detail, more soul
Elongated forms and quiet expression, not fussy detail.
A repeatable method
The same three steps work for portraits long after this class.
Yours forever
Lifetime access, return to the process whenever you like.
Prefer French or Dutch? Every lesson is translated, with subtitles on all videos.
Inside the class
What you'll take with you
- Build textured surfaces that hold atmosphere before the portrait begins
- Use colour and contrast to create luminosity and mood
- A repeatable process you can use for future portrait projects
- Confidence in creating a quiet sense of presence
- Lifetime access, rewatch anytime
Meet your instructor
Marina Teding van Berkhout
Artist & instructor
I'm Marina, a Dutch artist living in the south of France. I love painting portraits that say a lot with very little, a quiet gaze, an elegant shape, a feeling that comes through without too many details. Modigliani has always been one of my favourite inspirations, and I can't wait to paint one with you.
Students
What painters are saying
“An amazing lesson in how to use cold wax and oils in portrait art. The looser approach really suits me.”
“Marina clearly describes her step-by-step process, making textures with fun tools, and encourages you to play, experiment and find your own style.”
“Marina is so talented and gracious, sharing her cold wax process in both oil and acrylic.”
Questions?
Frequently asked
Do I need experience painting portraits?+
No. I guide you through the process step by step, and you don't need to be able to draw perfectly. The portrait grows out of the textured layers.
Do I need a specific texture medium?+
No. Any acrylic texture medium or heavy gel medium works beautifully for this class.
What supplies do I need?+
Acrylic paints, a texture medium, basic tools for layering and scraping, drawing materials, and a canvas or panel. The full supply list is inside the class.
Can I use another colour palette?+
Yes, absolutely. Once you understand the process you can explore other colour combinations — the turquoise-and-gold palette is just a beautiful starting point.
How long do I have access?+
Lifetime access. Once you enrol, the class is yours to return to whenever you want.
What's the difference between this and the full portraits class?+
This mini class focuses on one Modigliani-inspired project. The full Textured Portraits class goes deeper, with more techniques, more projects, and in-depth guidance.
Keep painting with me
The Texture Lab membership
If you loved this mini class, join The Texture Lab for fresh lessons, creative prompts, and warm support to keep your art practice moving.
View membershipReady to paint a Modigliani?
Grab your paints, take your time, and let's create something beautiful together.
$19 · One-time payment · Lifetime access · Secure checkout