Part Time Course
Tuesday and Friday Mornings
9.00am-12.30pm
Total of 40 weeks of tuition
Deposit = £200
Cost = £975 per term (3 terms per course)
Limited to 10 Students
Live Online Portrait Painting Course 2025/26
£200.00
2 in stock
2 in stock
Description
Online Portrait Painting Course – Live & Interactive!
Master the Art of Classical Portrait Painting – Live & Interactive! Frustrated with Instruction Videos That Don’t Offer Feedback? Get Real-Time Guidance in Our Live, Interactive Online Portrait Painting Course! Watching pre-recorded tutorials can be frustrating—no feedback, no corrections, and no one to guide you when you get stuck. You follow along, but without expert input, your progress stalls. That’s why we’ve created a live, virtual online portrait painting course that offers step-by-step instruction, hands-on learning, and real-time feedback from award-winning artist Louis Smith.
Previous Graduates Recent Work
Why This Course Works
Unlike traditional online courses, this is a fully interactive, live-learning experience. You’ll paint alongside Louis as he demonstrates classical techniques, helping you refine your drawing, tonal values, and color harmony—with instant feedback every step of the way.
- Live Demonstrations – Watch each stage of portrait painting unfold in real time.
- Hands-On Learning – Apply techniques immediately while painting alongside Louis.
- Personalized Feedback – Get expert corrections and guidance tailored to your work.
A Smarter, More Effective Way to Learn
To maximize focus and progress, our online portrait painting course is divided into two half-day sessions per week (3.5 hours each), ensuring:
- More Energy & Focus – No long, exhausting sessions—just highly engaging lessons.
- Consistent Progress – Twice-weekly check-ins help you stay on track.
- Flexibility & Support – Need extra time? Recorded sessions let you revisit lessons anytime.
Watch Louis’s Full demonstration portrait of Lisa all episodes HERE
Join a Community of Passionate Artists
Join a Community of Passionate Artists This is more than a course—it’s an immersive, hands-on learning experience where you’ll grow alongside fellow artists, receive expert mentorship, and transform your portrait painting skills. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced artist, this virtual painting workshop will enhance your artistic abilities.
Spots are limited! Secure your place in our online portrait painting course today and take your painting to the next level! Enroll now in our interactive digital art class and elevate your oil painting and figure drawing skills.
Before & After: Anna Drezova’s Transformation
When Anna Drezova joined the course, she had some prior painting experience—but her progress since then has been nothing short of inspiring. Below, you’ll see a side-by-side comparison: her portrait before starting the course and a stunning piece from one of her class projects.
Anna is a dedicated and disciplined student, and her bold, expressive style is a perfect match for the Alla Prima method. The paintings featured here were part of her homework assignments, where she demonstrated exceptional growth—earning a Gold Award on her diploma!
Her journey is a testament to what’s possible with structured guidance, expert feedback, and the right techniques. Ready to take your painting to the next level? Join us and start your own transformation today.
Testimonials
” I signed up to Louis’s online course after trying an art school which taught more modern styles, joining this class was the best thing I could have done as you receive a proper painting education here. Louis went above and beyond to help me catch up with the other students and throughout the course was a fantastic mentor. He is always patient and supportive and doesn’t hesitate to answer any questions at all. I feel I have learned a huge amount in this course as before I began I painted a picture of my grandparents which I repainted at the end of the course, the difference was huge showing a greater use of technique and competence. I don’t feel that this progress would have been made if not for Louis’s course. It is a lovely working environment with a great social atmosphere of which as a group we have plans to keep in contact.
This course is what’s been missing from art education for a long time and I would really recommend it to anyone who values painting traditionally.”
Anna Max
” Louis’ online painting course gave me the opportunity and convenience of painting between my homes in London and Spain. I didn’t have any problems working from two locations as Louis guided me through the necessary steps for setting up the equipment in both places. I spent years gaining an art degree (first in university and then years later online after a deferring period)) but sadly my painting experience was very limited and my portraits lacked form and realism.
Louis’ course has given me the confidence to mix accurate colours, tonal ranges and also allowed me to gain experience in painting that I was never taught in university. Louis has developed a structured course that is accessible to all levels and his step by step approach and clear demonstrations mean students acquire the necessary skills to build upon with confidence. Working from very early into the course sight size concepts provide an understanding of planes of the face which enable life like representations of 3D form to be established on the 2D surface of the canvas.”
Roda Fisher
About The Course
The Online Portrait Painting Course is thoughtfully divided into two essential parts: Tone and Colour. The first part of the course covers Tone is divided into, Drawing and Tone.
Drawing
In the second part of the Online Portrait Painting Course, we’ll dive deep into the theory and practical application of colour. You’ll explore the Full Colour Palette, which is perfectly suited to the Alla Prima style of painting, known for its fresh, vibrant finish.
Studying masterpieces is the fastest way to build a strong visual vocabulary. This term, we’ll be focusing on some of the modern masters of the Alla Prima technique, providing invaluable insights into handling the complexities of a full palette.
By learning from these masters and applying their techniques, you’ll begin to develop your unique style as a portrait artist.
Colour
The next step is tone, we will be learning how to observe and describe 3-dimensional form without the distraction or complexity of colour.
Simplification is key, we start by using the model of the Asaro head as an armature to break down the features of the face into simple geometric planes. Training the eye to accurately compare the tonal relationships of each plane is crucial to painting a convincing portrait.
All images below are taken from Louis Smiths demonstrations in front of the class when delivering each lesson.
Tone
The secret to a successful painting is measuring tone and colour in that order.
First we start with the Sight Size technique which is copying the reference like for like. Once we are comfortable with this measuring technique we then progress to comparative measurements based on proportional units of measurement, this method is used when observing the model from a distance.
Timetable
Timetable
20th September 2025 – 18th July 2026
Saturdays, 9.30-4.30
Total of 40 Weeks Tuition
1st Term, 20th Sep – 25th Oct | Half Term | 8th Nov – 20th Dec 2025
2nd Term , 3rd Jan – 7th Feb | Half Term | 21st Feb – 28th March 2026
3rd Term, 11th April – 30th May | Half Term | 13th June – 18th July 2026
Payment
Cost, £975 per term (3 terms per course)
Deposit , £200 and the remaining balance of £775 is to be paid 3 weeks before the start of the Academic Year. Details will be sent in the confirmation email.
Instructor
Meet Your Instructor: Louis Smith
A classically trained portrait artist with years of experience studying in Florence, Louis has helped countless artists break through their creative struggles. With live demonstrations and hands-on guidance, you’ll gain the skills that took master painters years to discover—delivered in an easy-to-follow, structured program.
See his work at: louissmithart.com
Tone Topics Covered
Drawing
Lesson
Lesson = Students learn how to measure using the Sight Size method, learning how to map the features of the face.
Exercise = Students work from Charles Bargue master copies, then apply this method to the drawing of each feature.
Model = Charles Bargue master copies and photo references of the features.
Homework = Articulate the features of the face.
Outcome
Students will learn:
- How to measure.
- How to describe the features of the face.
Assaro Head
Lesson
Lesson = We will be using the Asaro head as an armature to simplify the features into geometric planes.
Exercise = Learning how to observe and describe form using a step by step process.
Model = Asaro Eye, nose and mouth reference.
Homework = Repeat the steps in class.
Outcome
Students will learn:
- Understanding tonal relationships.
- How to render form.
Features
Lesson
Lesson = Assimilate the Asaro head. Adapting what we have learned from the previous lesson to break down the features into smaller and smaller planes
Lesson = Assimilate the Asaro head. Adapting what we have learned from the previous lesson to break down the features into smaller and smaller planes
Exercise = Breaking down the form of the eye, nose, mouth and ear into simple planes.
Model = Eye, nose, mouth and ear references.
Homework = Repeat the steps in class.
Outcome
Students will learn:
- Simplifying complexed form.
- Observe and describe abstract shapes.
Anatomy of Light
Lesson
Lesson = Understanding the anatomy of light, breaking down the form into its separate tones of highlight, halftone, shadow and cast shadow.
Exercise = Follow the steps listed to illustrate the form of a sphere.
Model = Polystyrene, ball, square and cylinder.
Homework = Repeat the steps in class to illustrate the form of a cylinder.
Outcome
Students will learn:
- Understand the anatomy of light.
- How to blend and soften edges.
Triangle
Lesson
Lesson = Put all the main features together to form the triangle of the face. An accurate portrayal of the eyes nose and mouth is important to produce a recognisable face.
Exercise = Working big to small, starting with overall form of head then the features.
Model = Photo reference.
Homework = Practice this technique by painting the head from a different angle.
Outcome
Students will learn:
- Big form modelling.
- Edge manipulation.
- Structure of the face.
Full Head
Lesson
Lesson = Rendering the head. This is the last of the grisaille exercises consolidating all the principles taught so far.
Lesson = Rendering the head. This is the last of the grisaille exercises consolidating all the principles taught so far.
Exercise = Follow the 23 step guide.
Model = Photo reference.
Homework = Repeat all the steps with a different reference photo.
Outcome
Students will learn:
- How to complete a rendered grisaille portrait.
- Model hair.
Colour Topics Covered
Colour Wheel
Lesson
Lesson = Understanding Colour. Hue, chroma and value explained. Deeper knowledge of complimentary colour and colour temperature.
Exercise = Colour wheel, mixing secondary and tertiary colours from primary colours. Mixing flesh tones, high chroma – low chroma, warm and cool.
Model = No Model.
Homework = Practice colour mixing exercises.
Outcome
Students will learn:
- how to manipulate colour
- how to mix flesh tones
Master Copy
Lesson
Lesson = Richard Shmid is a modern day master of Alla Prima portraits, the aim of this study is to emulate his loose high chroma style.
Exercise = Study a Richard Schmid portrait painting observing the use of colour, strokes and accuracy.
Model = Apply what we have learned with the Model.
Homework = Study Richard Shmid Portrait. Paint a portrait in similar style either sitter or photo reference.
Outcome
Students will learn:
- colour mixing.
- deftness of handling.
- Bravura.
Assimilation
Lesson
Lesson = This Lesson is designed to push the boundaries of colour by assimulating Richard Shmid’s approach to capturing the variety of colour in the face.
Exercise = Study observing the local colours of the face and exaggerated colour mixing.
Model = Referance of Paul.
Homework = Repaint the study to see how much you remember.
Outcome
Students will learn:
- to push colour and it still look believable.
- bravado.
Direct Painting
Lesson
Lesson = John Singer Sargent master copy. Now we are starting to refine the colours of the face by copying Sargents lowere chroma colours.
Exercise = Break down the portrait in to simple planes of hue, chroma and value used by Sargent
Model = Lady Agnew portrait.
Homework = Repeat the exercise with another master copy.
Outcome
Students will learn:
- to push colour and it still look believable.
- bravado.
Features
Lesson
Lesson = This lesson is designed to observe and describe the subtlety of colour and tonal relationships by assimulating Sargents approach.
Exercise = Lower the chroma and maintin the planes to describe the form of the face.
Model = Referance of a young girl..
Homework = Repeat the exercise.
Outcome
Students will learn:
- how to mix lower chroma colours.
- Subtlety.
Refining
Lesson
Lesson = Softening edges, still observing the planes of the face but refining the variety of edges as when rendering each plane.
Exercise = Observing the variety of edges of each plane ranging from sharp to soft.
Model = Using a portrait model and reference.
Homework = Work on the portrait in their own time.
Outcome
Students will learn:
- refinement of edges.
- how to finesse the lessons learned so far.
12 reviews for Live Online Portrait Painting Course 2025/26
Only logged in customers who have purchased this product may leave a review.
sally.mollan (verified owner) –
Yeah I’d say it’s wise to be developing the online teaching over studio… this isn’t going away quickly. I’m enjoying being in my own space whilst learning.
Sally Mollan
triciagraham135 (verified owner) –
There’s a lot to be said for the online learning … the flexibility it offers is very appealing … whilst I do miss a studio it has surprised me how quickly you adapt … and I’ll never miss lugging materials around on public transport trying to get from A to B in the middle of winter when it’s days of never ending rain and wind.
Patricia Graham
leslierob10 –
I transferred from the face-to-face studio based course after the first term, mainly because I was having a knee joint injury which was making it difficult to stand for a whole day.
I haven’t been disappointed. Attending for two half days per week is less tiring and being able to attend from home means not having to get up early and drive the long journey every week.
However, do not think that it’s an easier option. The teaching is just as thorough if not more so because you get twice the amount of homework! You really need to keep up with the homework too if you don’t want to get left behind.
The quality of teaching is just as good because Louis has invested a lot of time and money in making sure the student has access to the best online teaching technology. You use your phone camera to enable him to see your easel dynamically which enables Louis to provide timely feedback. At the same time by also joining the Zoom with your laptop or PC you can see his easel and palette too. Even in a face-to-face class, having an immediate and uninterrupted view of the demonstration canvas is not that easy. Having access to the Zoom sessions on Youtube is also a bonus. If you’ve missed anything in class or if you’ve been unable to attend for any reason you can easily go over it in your own time. Louis also records the homework feedback session so that you have a permanent record of your own personal progress.
Having tried both the face-to-face and online versions of the Realist Portrait Academy course I can say there is definitely no difference in the quality of learning experience and it’s so much more convenient!
annamax19 (verified owner) –
I signed up to Louis’s online course after trying an art school which taught more modern styles, joining this class was the best thing I could have done as you receive a proper painting education here. Louis went above and beyond to help me catch up with the other students and throughout the course was a fantastic mentor. He is always patient and supportive and doesn’t hesitate to answer any questions at all. I feel I have learned a huge amount in this course as before I began I painted a picture of my grandparents which I repainted at the end of the course, the difference was huge showing a greater use of technique and competence. I don’t feel that this progress would have been made if not for Louis’s course. It is a lovely working environment with a great social atmosphere of which as a group we have plans to keep in contact.
This course is what’s been missing from art education for a long time and I would really recommend it to anyone who values painting traditionally.
amanda.kear (verified owner) –
Put simply, I could not have chosen a better course. Louis’ course gave me exactly what I was looking for – a systematic, methodical approach to creating realistic portraits, including the initial drawing stage, blocking in shadow shapes, big form modelling and key features, and a good understanding of tone and colour. Louis is a knowledgeable teacher who has high attention to detail and gives precise and actionable feedback. His zoom set up is well thought through and it gives participants an excellent close up view of his demonstrations. I can’t wait to apply my learning to my own work.
roda443 (verified owner) –
Louis’ online painting course gave me the opportunity and convenience of painting between my homes in London and Spain. I didn’t have any problems working from two locations as Louis guided me through the necessary steps for setting up the equipment in both places. I spent years gaining an art degree (first in university and then years later online after a deferring period)) but sadly my painting experience was very limited and my portraits lacked form and realism.
Louis’ course has given me the confidence to mix accurate colours, tonal ranges and also allowed me to gain experience in painting that I was never taught in university. Louis has developed a structured course that is accessible to all levels and his step by step approach and clear demonstrations mean students acquire the necessary skills to build upon with confidence. Working from very early into the course sight size concepts provide an understanding of planes of the face which enable life like representations of 3D form to be established on the 2D surface of the canvas.
kfnicholson (verified owner) –
Thank you for rocketing my skills and confidence to the next level. When I started, I didn’t even know how to hold a paintbrush!
tomasatrat –
Taking up this course was the best decision I made. It was much better than I was expecting for. Not only learned the basic drawing and painting skills, but also in depth knowledgement in terms of form, value and colour in order to succeed in portrait painting. Online lessons are great (otherwise I couldn’t have benefited from this course since I live in Uruguay), Louis helps you to set up your own studio and all the process is well thought.
I feel prepared to work in my personal projects, not only in portrait painting but also in every challenge I may face.
WILL MISS IT!
Alex (verified owner) –
“The 3 foundations of a good painting – drawing, understanding of tone, and then – use of colour, explained by Louis very clearly on this course. You’ll be given all necessary instructions on materials (what to buy and where), techniques and all other little, but essential tips on how to start painting portraits in oils. What is also important is that all this is related to the European Art tradition, as well as it put in the context of contemporary figurative painting. I guess, in order to tell a good story in visual arts, one must learn, and master their language. Without a doubt this IS THE place to learn your language, and Louis is an excellent Teacher! Do not hesitate to sign up for an on-line course, just as I was. It is most definitely as good as a studio based course, or perhaps even better. Having 2 sessions a week means that you can work consistently throughout the academic year. You’ll be critiqued in real time, and generally will be well looked after in the comfort of your home. Finally, this Painting course is a real value for money with all professional quality reference materials being delivered to your address. Highly recommended, top notch, Louis!!! Alex Smirnov,Stafford, UK”
Dawn White (verified owner) –
As someone who has followed many online art tutorials on Youtube & Patreon I can honestly say that The Realist Academy is by far the best! The main reason being the excellent critique of work which Louis gave throughout the live Zoom classes. This made an enormous difference to how quickly and effectively our drawing and painting skills improved. He has an exceptional ability to spot angles, tones & colours that need adjusting & continually guided us back onto the correct path.Louis also is a very good demonstrator with clear description of what he was doing and excellent close up photography of his palette and canvas.Working on the same portrait in a small group has great benefits as we learned form each other’s critiques as well as our own.I would highly recommend Louis Smith & The Realist Academy if you are serious about learning the skills of drawing & painting in oils. I personally found the 40 week course hugely challenging but infinitely rewarding!Dawn White
Vivienne (verified owner) –
I can honestly say the online portrait course exceeded my expectations. I was concerned initially about enrolling due to my limited portraiture experience. I needn’t have worried as the course was well structured and suitable for all levels.
The lessons built skills week-by-week and progress was rapid for everyone thanks to Louis’ expert demonstrations and lectures. I found the class and homework critiques the most significant factor for improvement. Louis was able to highlight corrections on screen so you could immediately see where you had gone wrong. It was invaluable sharing experiences with the group and learning from each other.
Thank you Louis for sharing your expertise and being so dedicated to teaching us. I have learned more than I imagined. The course has given me the knowledge, skills and confidence to paint portraits in colour.
I would highly recommend this course if you are serious about learning to paint realistic portraits and want to take your work to the next level.
Vivienne Stephenson
Fiona Martyn (verified owner) –
The Realist Academy Portrait Painting program was the best gift I could possibly have given to myself. It raised my level of painting in the classical traditionalist manner to a level I could only have dreamed of previously. I was able to immerse myself in learning about a subject’s techniques and skills that had always fascinated me. Viewing accomplished portraits with a mixture of awe and wonder. Overall, I enjoyed the program tremendously. Quickly realising that I was only going to get out of this course the effort and work I put into it. Even the aspects I struggled with e.g. comparative measurement. It felt brilliant when I overcame my own self-doubts and succeeded with the expert guidance of Louis.The structure of the course is always clear and concise. Louis delivers all the learning criteria in a professional, expert and at times humorous manner. All 41 lessons were thoroughly planned and executed to the highest standards, meeting all the needs and requests of the students. The camaraderie of the group was great. Louis is patient and demonstrates clearly what he is teaching, supporting each student during every step of the learning process. On reflection I feel fortunate to have been taught by a teacher who is driven to help all his students achieve success.