2 Day Intensive Painting Portraits Workshop in March.

Join me for an inspiring, hands-on weekend of painting portraits in my studio!

This two-day intensive workshop is all about growing your confidence and elevating your skills in portraiture. You’ll be encouraged to explore a loose, expressive approach to capturing likeness with acrylic paints, while deepening your understanding of colour, both in observing and mixing. By the end, you’ll walk away with new techniques, fresh perspectives, and a renewed sense of direction in your portrait practice.

 

Over the course of two full days, I will guide you through my complete portrait process, from stretching and preparing your canvas to putting the final touches on your painting. We’ll explore the key elements that make a strong portrait (composition, observation, and structure), discuss tools and materials, and work through exercises that will strengthen your approach and technique.

 

No experience necessary! This workshop is perfect for absolute beginners or for those looking for a refresh, or improve their skills.

 

What You’ll Experience:

​Day One - Foundations & Preparation

We’ll begin by immersing ourselves in the basics of portraiture, exploring a series of exercises designed to shift hesitation into confidence, and building a strong foundation for our final portraits. 

• Introduction and warm-up exercises to get you sketching and observing.
• Exploring tools, materials, and colour mixing - Get to know acrylic paints!
• Understand proportions, structure, and placement - Building a solid head!
• Discuss the importance of good references, offering time to take creative self-portraits with thoughtful lighting to use as an optional painting guide for day 2.
• Stretching your own canvas and prepare the surface.
• Sketch out the initial composition for your portrait with tips for loosening up and building confidence in your marks.

By the end of the day, you'll have completed several sketches, have a ready-to-paint canvas with a strong foundation laid out, and a better understanding of your materials and approach.

 

Day Two – Focused Painting
Now it’s time to bring your portrait to life!

• Apply everything from Day 1 to paint one complete portrait.
• Develop your portrait through layers, brushwork, and texture, finding ways to bring expression to your piece.
• Learn how to troubleshoot as you go and make creative decisions
• Receive one-on-one guidance and supportive feedback throughout the day
• Final details and group reflection at the end

By the close of day two, you’ll have a finished (or near finished) portrait and a deeper understanding of how to continue developing your work beyond the workshop.

 

DATE & TIME

 

Saturday 28th March & Sunday 29th March 2026
10AM - 4:30PM

 

LOCATION

 

My Studio

Located in Chesham, a 10 minute walk from Chesham Station.
Parking available.
Full address shared upon booking.

 

THINGS TO KNOW 

 

• Suitable for ages 18+
• Limited to 4 spaces only
• All Levels and Abilities welcome. 
• Refreshments & Snacks included
• Recommend bringing lunch
• Tools and Materials provided

 

TRANSPARENCY

 

Tickets are £155.50 per person.
This includes an online booking fee of 50p.

 

There are no refunds, if you are no longer able to attend then please contact me to discuss options.

 

If you have any questions about this event then please do contact me via email: helencapewell@gmail.com.

 

Look forward to meeting you!