REALISTIC PORTRAITS FOR BEGINNERS
Paint Realistic Portraits
Every Time
with a Proven Painting Process (and, yes, you are talented enough!)
Realistic Portraits for Beginners is a simple-to-follow process that works for acrylic painters and oil painters.
Unlike most portrait painting courses that only solve a single “piece of the puzzle” – oftentimes leaving you more confused, frustrated, and overwhelmed than when you started (not to mention out a lot of money) – Realistic Portraits for Beginners is the puzzle itself.
All you have to do is complete the right steps in the right order. And we’ll be right alongside you every step of the way.
This course is taught using acrylic paint, but oil paint may also be used.
Are you struggling to paint realistic portraits?...
it's your painting process...
OK, I know I’m making a big claim here…
But, I believe that you are talented enough, that your style is already ingrained in you, and that you have the ability to create beautiful, realistic acrylic paintings. When I see artists struggle to paint realistic portraits, it tends to be because they are misunderstanding the real obstacle that is stopping them – which is actually very easy to fix.
So, what do I think is actually stopping you?
Your painting process.
This course is taught using acrylic paint, but oil paint may also be used.
How do you know if you have a painting process problem?
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Have you ever felt overwhelmed when you sit down to paint a portrait?
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Do you feel like you're constantly guessing about what colors to use, or how to mix them?
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Do you ever get frustrated because your portraits don't look as good as you want them to?
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Do you have several unfinished portrait paintings?
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Are you embarrassed to show your portraits to your friends and family for fear of their judgements?
How do you know if you have a painting process problem?
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Have you ever felt overwhelmed when you sit down to paint a portrait?
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Do you feel like you're constantly guessing about what colors to use, or how to mix them?
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Do you ever get frustrated because your portraits don't look as good as you want them to?
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Do you have several unfinished portrait paintings?
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Are you embarrassed to show your portraits to your friends and family for fear of their judgements?
let's just say it:
Your painting process ISN'T working
BUT WHY?
LET'S BREAK IT DOWN
Confused, Frustrated, Overwhelmed
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You don't know where to start
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Your mindset & fears are preventing your growth
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You are unsure if you are "talented" enough
Materials
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You don't know what type of paint, brushes, or mediums to use
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You are unaware of how to use your materials to create desired effects
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You're unaware of materials available that help aid your weaknesses
Color Mixing
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You don't know how to choose the right pigments
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You don't know how to mix the right colors for skin tone
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You're unsure where each color should go
Inaccurate Proportions
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You don't know how to achieve perfect proportions
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You don't know what techniques or resources to use
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You feel insecure about your drawing abilities
Feeling Flat
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Your subject's skin gives off a graphic or flat look, rather than an authentic appearance
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You are unaware of how to paint light and shadow
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Unaware of how to paint the illusion of three-dimensional space on a two-dimensional surface
Unrealistic Skin Tone
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Your portraits are looking muddy
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You don't know how to make your subject's skin look smooth
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unaware of how to give your subject's skin a lifelike glow
Cartooney Details
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You tend to add too many details, and are unsure of when to stop
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Your subject's features look outlined
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You struggle with painting realistic eyes, lips and hair
Lack of Practice
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You are not painting often enough to see any real improvement
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You have not practiced painting a variety of subjects, age, skin tones, and genders in order to improve your skills.
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You have not found a process that you can practice repeatedly until it clicks.
No Help or Community
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You don't know how to troubleshoot your portraits
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You do not have a like-minded community available to grow with and from
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You are afraid to share your portraits with others for fear of criticism
Fix the Process, Not the Artist
A Painting Process is Like a Recipe for Painting Success
When you follow a painting process, you paint with intention and purpose. You are no longer just winging it or painting by chance. This means that you will always know what comes next in your painting, which takes the guesswork out and allows you to focus on developing your fine motor skills instead.
The BIG SECRET?
EVERY portrait painter uses a painting process, even if they don't realize it. Some artists learned how to paint portraits by apprenticing under another artist, taking classes at an art academy, or through trial and error- either way, they learned a painting process. In order to get consistent results in your portrait painting, especially as a beginner, learning and using a painting process is essential.
No Rules = No Preparation?
Too many people believe that because there are "no rules" to art, there should be no preparation. These people may be misinterpreting what art is all about. Art is about expression, but that doesn't mean you can't prepare or plan ahead. In fact, painting with a process can actually help you to be more expressive by focusing on your message, instead of how to paint it!
Components of a Painting Process
Materials
Knowing what your materials do and what they could never do -nope! Not even in a million years!
Preparation
Always knowing exactly how to prepare for your portrait painting.
Sequence
Knowing what order to paint in, and what material to use at the right moment to achieve the greatest success in your portrait paintings.
Application
Knowing how to apply your knowledge of how something looks, and how to fake the way something looks create the illusion of realism.
Imagine an online course you could take at home that teaches you the entire painting process, and
Realistic Portraits for Beginners
This course includes every step you need to create realistic portraits. However, simply learning the process is only half the battle. The second half of the equation puts the painting process into action by painting subjects with various skin tones, ages, and genders. In order to really master this process, you’ll need to practice it yourself. Luckily, this course comes with an action plan to help you do just that. By following the plan and painting along with the lessons, you’ll be well on your way to creating beautiful portraits in no time.
The Recipe for Success?
the action plan
PART ONE:
Learn the Painting Process Steps
The Lessons Module of Realistic Portraits for Beginners provides 2+ hours of bite-sized painting process lessons that are categorized by the steps of the painting process.
Painting Preparation
In the first step of the painting process, you will learn about your materials and prepare them. With guidance, you will decide if you are going to paint your underpainting in local color or grayscale. You will also match and swatch the paint colors you will use. Finally, you will prepare and print your reference photos.
Foundation Preparation
Painting a great portrait begins with having a solid foundation, therefore in this stage, you'll prepare your painting surface.
Image Transfer Blueprint
In this painting process step, you will create an Image Transfer Blueprint. This blueprint will help you later "build" your portrait in layers by providing a quick way to familiarize yourself with your subject and break down the complexities of each unique face into a manageable sequence of steps for painting. Creating an Image Transfer Blueprint will help you paint a portrait in a more efficient and effective way.
Underpainting
The underpainting is not a glamorous step, but it is a necessary step that leads to the most fun, last step. One of the biggest reasons why artists fail at portrait painting is their belief that everything has to be done in one layer. This causes most artists to try to make one section perfect and find it nearly impossible to match paint colors, style, or match facial proportions. In our process, you will create an underpainting that only focuses on one value at a time where you are not focusing on perfection, but rather a sequence. This step helps you avoid making common painting mistakes, and you will always know what to do next in your painting.
Glazing & Details
The most creative and (in my opinion) fun part of the process is in this final step. You will learn how to soften the texture of your subject's skin, add color to bring your portrait to life as well as mimic lifelike skin-tones, you will learn where to put colors on the face that make it look more realistic, and techniques to make your portrait details "pop" in the right places. By following these steps in the painting process, you can create a realistic and beautiful portrait.
the action plan
PART TWO:
Watch the Demonstrations & Paint Them
Each step of the painting process is demonstrated in six portrait paintings. After you have watched a demonstration, you will practice what you have learned by painting the portrait.
Portrait One
8 Lessons
Portrait Two
6 Lessons
Portrait Three
7 Lessons
Portrait Four
8 Lessons
Portrait Five
7 Lessons
Portrait Six
8 Lessons
the action plan
PART THREE:
Grow with a Community
Studies have shown that learning within a community of students helps with content retention. Whether you are a quiet student or an active one, learning from others will enhance your understanding.
Why Students Love this Course
I am a High School Art teacher– so many artists sell courses but it’s often watching someone painting. You explain and TEACH. The ability to teach is a different sort of “art”. It’s a rare thing to find [an] artist who can teach.
Thank you Beth Gatza Art, for your detailed instruction and for sharing so much valuable information with everyone that is willing to learn…
I truly found a Gem when I found you.
Excited for the next one! love this class so much I’m not getting my housework done!
I’m having a grand time with your classes Beth Gatza Art, finally having a breakthrough with achieving my painting goals… Love your paintings and teachings. Have I told you how thrilled I am enough yet, hehe
I have stepped out of my comfort zone and began an art class a few weeks ago. If you want to learn something new, DO IT!!! This has been a hard process and I have spent hours with this beautiful young woman…just wanted to encourage you to do something you’ve always wanted to do.
meet your instructor
"I'm creating the courses that I WISH I had when I was starting out!"
BETH GATZA
Beth Gatza is a professional artist, art teacher to the stars, and creative business owner with decades of experience. Her portraits have been featured in film and television, her work is held in private and public collections nationally and internationally.
Beth created Realistic Portraits for Beginners to provide world-class training and support for artists of all levels, from complete beginners to advanced professionals. With step-by-step guidance, and years of experience, Beth can help you take your art to the next level.
So if you’re ready to start painting or reach your painting goals, Beth is here to help.
1 Proven Painting Process.
6 Start-to-Finish Portrait Demonstrations.
Level Up Your Portraits.
ARE YOU FINALLY READY TO START PAINTING THE PORTRAITS OF YOUR DREAMS?
Select a payment option below, and get started painting today!
Realistic Portraits for Beginners
$291-
Step-by-Step Painting Process Lessons
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6 Portrait Demonstrations with Lessons
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Bonus Painting Prep Mini-Course
Realistic Portraits for Beginners
Save $44-
Step-by-Step Painting Process Lessons
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6 Portrait Demonstrations with Lessons
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Bonus Painting Prep Mini-Course
Facts & Questions
A: Realistic Portraits for Beginners is a course for anyone who wants to learn how to paint portraits. Whether you’re starting from scratch or you’ve tried painting before and struggled, this is the perfect place to get started and achieve success.
A: Realistic Portraits for Beginners is 8+ hours of content! Each section is broken down into manageable video lessons so you can easily look back and review sections if needed.
A: No, you have unlimited access to the course and can work at your own pace, as long as the course is online.
A: YES! This process was originally used for Beth’s oil paintings. She transitioned to acrylic paint after becoming a Mom to have less “dry time”. If using oil paint, Beth recommends using, Gamblin’s “Solvent Free Fluid” in place of the glazing fluid used in this course.
A: No, Realistic Portraits for Beginners is an online, English speaking course available no matter where you live.
A: We always recommend that you work within your own budget. Beth will show you her recommended supply list that is a mix of student-grade and professional-grade supplies, as well as an explanation as to why she chose them for this class. You can decide what to purchase once you’ve watched the materials lessons.
A: Realistic Portraits for Beginners has the option of paying for the course in full upfront for $247 or a payment plan of $97 for a total of 3 months.
A: YES! This process was originally used for Beth’s oil paintings. She transitioned to acrylic paint after becoming a Mom to have less “dry time”. If using oil paint, Beth recommends using, Gamblin’s “Solvent Free Fluid” in place of the glazing fluid used in this course.
Yes, we offer a 30-day money-back guarantee. Please read our refund policy to know what to submit and where in order to receive your refund.
