PORTRAIT PAINTING
at Rene’s Studio
Oct 20, 2026 / Jan 12, 2027
10am – 3pm
$75 each class
ask about other dates
Rene will cover a different aspect of portraiture each lesson. She’ll choose a portrait subject and send you her reference and sketch for the in-class demo. You can paint along, or paint any subject of your choice.
Look for a portrait you’d like to paint in your reference photos. Narrow down a few favorites. René will work with you to choose one that sets you up for success.
From the initial sketch to the finished painting, you’ll develop skills for making art that is accurate and expressive. Along the way you’ll study good design and color mixing.
This class includes technique demonstrations by Rene as well as working time for you. Rene gives lots of individual attention, to support you in creating your own expression. She’ll help you recognize and celebrate your strengths while looking for ways to grow or stretch your skills. It is a supportive environment to learn and enjoy the experience of art making. You’ll also find camaraderie, structure, and feedback on your work.
WHAT TO BRING
- A sack lunch, beverage, sweater
- Reference material
SUPPLY LIST / MERRI ARTIST supplies
Questions? Check for openings — email Rene to sign up
at rene.art@gmail.com
or 503-890-9668
GUATEMALAN WOMAN
This rough color sketch was made on location several years ago, working from a photo I snapped of a village woman on a boat at Lake Atitlan in Guatemala. Notice the face was elongated in the drawing, and the mouth is less severe and the eyes less wrinkled. I was interpreting the image… next time I may go for more realism.
REFERENCE PHOTO
I continue to study her face, which I enjoy a lot, especially the light and cast shadow across it.
Work with Rene / portraits in water media
Portraiture, an expressive art form in it’s own right, is the vehicle we’ll use to find new and expressive ways of approaching our work.
This is a studio class for ongoing study and exploration. You bring projects to start or finish. I’ll work with you to plan and create your painting, plus I will offer individual mini-demos to help you resolve specific issues.
This class will have an emphasis on designing the portrait and use of color. I also will introduce textural methods and cover different types of paint application. We will explore different concepts and techniques. There will be at least one demo each week, so that you will be able to see how my portraits develop — I am usually working on several at any given time but may paint one step-by-step at the classes.
A portrait in progress — transparent watercolor
Want to learn more about my art process? Check out my blog: http://renesnews.blogspot.com
QUESTIONS? CHECK FOR OPENINGS — Contact Rene at rene.art@gmail.com
or 503-890-9668
WHAT TO BRING:
- A sack lunch
- Painting supplies for watercolor — paints, palette, brushes, sketch or layout paper, watercolor paper, pencil, kneaded eraser, water pot, tracing paper
FULL SUPPLY LIST - Reference material — Check THIS HANDOUT for what makes good photo reference for a portrait.
OPTIONAL:
- Water soluble pencils or crayons, transfer paper
- Watercolor paper or block, cradled panel
- Examples of your work
MAP TO RENE’S STUDIO