‘Arti-ist Class’:
INTRO TO PORTRAIT PAINTING
~ An 8‑Part Course ~
Wednesday, January 14 - Wednesday, March 4: 6:30pm ~ 8:30pm + EXHIBITION
This course is designed for artists with some oil painting experience who want to deepen their understanding of portraiture through a structured, supportive process. Over eight sessions, participants will explore the key elements that make compelling portraits — tone, proportion, colour, and expression — while working toward the completion of a single, resolved painting. The focus is on seeing the portrait through an artist’s lens: simplifying complexity, capturing likeness, and creating mood. With demonstrations, one-on-one feedback, and group discussion, this class offers a dynamic mix of technique and creativity for painters ready to take their portrait work further.
These Intro to Portrait Oil Painting “Art-ist” classes aren’t just about learning technique — they’re about learning how to think, decide, and create like an artist. As an international exhibiting artist, Christopher pulls back the curtain on the process: how to embrace experimentation, work through doubt, and make choices with an exhibition in mind. Each class is about painting, yes — but also about the mindset of an artist: balancing confidence and vulnerability, shaping work for an audience, and finding meaning in process.
Course Highlights:
Class 1 – Light & Form: Tonal Studies in Black & White
We begin by studying tonal values using black and white paint to explore light and shadow on the human head. Participants will learn how value alone creates form and depth — essential tools for portrait painters.
Class 2 – Structure & Proportion: The Foundation of the Face
This class introduces basic anatomy and proportion of the head and features. Through drawing and underpainting exercises, participants will practice blocking in strong structures before adding detail.
Class 3 – From Tone to Colour: Introducing Flesh Tones
We move into colour with a limited palette, exploring how to mix convincing flesh tones and translate light into warm and cool passages. Participants learn to interpret colour while simplifying shapes.
Class 4 – Expression & Character: Refining Features
Focus shifts to the eyes, nose, and mouth — small forms that carry expression and character. Emphasis is placed on accuracy, subtle tonal shifts, and edges to bring life to the portrait.
Class 5 – Planning the Portrait: Composition & Mood
Drawing on tonal, structural, and colour theory skills, participants begin planning a single portrait painting. We’ll use thumbnail sketches to test compositions, light sources, and background treatments before moving to canvas.
Class 6 – Blocking In: Big Shapes, Light Direction & Atmosphere
With a clear plan in place, we start the underpainting, blocking in the large masses of the head and establishing light direction. Emphasis is placed on gesture, proportion, and the overall emotional tone.
Class 7 – Developing the Painting: Harmony, Edges & Mark-Making
Participants continue refining their portraits, working toward cohesion. We’ll explore colour harmony, edge variation, and brushwork that captures the personality of the subject. Christopher provides tailored feedback to help resolve problem areas.
Class 8 – Final Refinements: Finishing Touches & Preparation for Exhibition
This final session is dedicated to subtle refinements — adjusting tones, balancing composition, and adding expressive highlights. We’ll also discuss signing, titling, and preparing the work for presentation.
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Exhibition – A Celebration of the Process
The course ends with a relaxed, community-driven pop-up exhibition. Each participant will display a selection of works - from sketches and studies to final paintings - in a casual, non-commercial setting. It’s a celebration of growth, creativity, and shared experience.
When: Wednesday, January 14 - Wednesday, March 4: 6:30pm ~ 8:30pm + EXHIBITION
Where: Suite 201 - 995 Herring Cove Road, Herring Cove, Nova Scotia, B3V-1H6
Fee: $250.00 (tax inc.)
Maximum 8 Participant Spaces
Registration: to register for the session or for more information, please email Christopher at info@cwebb.ca and he will respond within 1 day.
“Christopher’s classes are a game-changer for any artist ready to level up.”
Eight Weeks. So much growth.
Meet your instructor
Christopher Webb is an internationally recognized, award-winning artist and art educator. His work has been exhibited across Canada and Europe, including a recent show at Marina Bastianello Gallery (Venice, 2026) following his receipt of the CREA - Cantieri Del Contemporaneo Venezia Prize for Painting. Click this link to learn more about Christopher and his art practice.
Testimonial
“Christopher’s classes are a game-changer for any artist ready to level up. His expert instruction and supportive mentorship have helped me grow not just as a painter but as a professional artist. Christopher combines technical excellence with real-world insight into the business of art—something rarely found in one teacher.
Best of all, his classes are fun, energizing, and filled with inspiration. His international experience and unique perspective have continually pushed me to create fresher, more dynamic work.”
[ From precise detail work to abstracted backgrounds, Christopher’s landscape paintings consistently evoke a strong sense of place, atmosphere, and emotional resonance. ]
About Christopher Webb’s Studio Workshop Series
Welcome to the STUDIO WORKSHOP SERIES, a unique offering of hands-on art workshops led by celebrated Canadian multidisciplinary artist Christopher Webb. These intimate sessions take place in Webb’s stunning, light-filled studio above PAVIA in Herring Cove—an inspiring creative space surrounded by natural beauty.
With over 20 years of experience teaching, lecturing, and mentoring, Christopher has built a reputation for offering thoughtful, engaging, and artistically enriching workshops. His work has been exhibited internationally, and his career spans visual arts, curation, and arts entrepreneurship. Through this workshop series, he brings his deep knowledge, generosity of spirit, and passion for artistic exploration to a small group setting—providing a rare opportunity to develop technique, build creative confidence, and expand your visual language.
While most workshops are led by Christopher himself, he also invites guest artists whose work and teaching he deeply respects. With only 8-10 participant spaces available per workshop, these are truly immersive, high-quality experiences for those looking to take their creative practice to the next level in a meaningful and supportive environment.