Chiaroscuro Portrait Painting Technique I Art Master Course

(4-Day Course) Chiaroscuro Portraiture Painting Masterclass
Learn the old master technique from the world leading experts and artists
Embark on Your Artistic Journey BOOK NOW
Chiaroscuro Portraiture – Oil Painting Technique at london sunny art centre The Incredulity of Saint Thomas (Caravaggio)

Chiaroscuro Portraiture Oil Painting Masterclass

Learn the Old Master Portrait Painting Techniques in Central London

- 4-Day Course -

Chiaroscuro Portraiture Oil Painting Masterclass

Learn the Old Master Portrait Painting Techniques in Central London

- 4-Day Course -

Learn the Old Master Portrait Painting Techniques in Central London

Master the timeless art of chiaroscuro with this immersive portrait painting workshop in Central London. Learn classical oil painting techniques used by Old Masters like Caravaggio, Rembrandt, Leonardo da Vinci, and Rubens.

Chiaroscuro—the dramatic interplay of light and shadow—transformed the way artists captured the human form, bringing portraits to life with depth, volume, and emotional intensity. Developed during the Renaissance and refined through the Baroque period, this technique remains one of the most powerful tools in classical oil painting.

In this 4-day hands-on masterclass, you’ll explore chiaroscuro portraiture through the lens of historic oil painting methods. With expert guidance from our classically trained tutors, you’ll learn how to build portraits step by step—from anatomical drawing and tonal underpainting (grisaille) to colour glazing and finishing.

Study with World-Class Art Tutors

Learn from some of the finest artists and educators working today.
Our team of expert tutors includes award-winning artists and graduates from internationally renowned institutions such as:

  • Central Saint Martins, Chelsea College of Arts, Slade School of Fine Art, and the Royal Academy of Arts in London

  • École des Beaux-Arts in Paris

  • Athens School of Fine Arts in Greece

  • Charles H. Cecil Studios in Florence

With professional training across a range of disciplines and media, our tutors bring both classical techniques and contemporary approaches into the studio. Their ongoing research and innovation ensure that our students are always engaged with fresh, challenging, and inspiring ways to create art—making Sunny Art Centre one of the most respected art institutions in London.

What you will Learn

  • Constructing anatomically accurate portraits
  • Grisaille underpainting techniques
  • Glazing and layering in oil painting
  • Controlling value, light theory, and edges
  • The historical context and evolution of chiaroscuro
  • How to analyse and replicate Old Master paintings

By the end of the course, you will have created your own chiaroscuro portrait inspired by the Old Masters, and developed skills you can apply to future projects with confidence.

Course Structure (4 Consecutive Days)

  • Day 1 & 2: 10 am–5 pm: Full-day guided portrait painting instruction
  • Day 3:
    • Morning (10 am–1 pm): Guided session
    • Afternoon (2 pm–5 pm): Studio practice
  • Day 4:
    • Morning (10 am–1 pm): Studio practice
    • Afternoon (2 pm–5 pm): Final guided session + feedback & review

Why Study With Us?

  • Central London location in the heart of Covent Garden
  • Small group sizes or private one-to-one tuition
  • Taught by experienced professional oil painters
  • Includes studio manuals, reference materials, and step-by-step guides
  • Ideal for art portfolio development, lifelong learners, or Old Master technique enthusiasts

 

Available As

  • Private 1:1 Tuition
  • Small Group Tuition (up to 10 people)

Certification

This masterclass is a certified course. Upon completing the full 4-day programme, participants will receive an official Certificate of Completion from Sunny Art Centre.

The certificate recognises your achievement in mastering traditional Old Master painting techniques and serves as a valuable addition to your art portfolio or professional development.

Suitable For:

This course is ideal for:

  • Adults and teens (age 14+)
  • Beginners to advanced artists
  • Art students or professionals seeking classical training
  • Anyone passionate about Old Master techniques
  • Portfolio builders and fine art lovers

About Sunny Art Centre

As a leader in art education, Sunny Art Centre has become a preferred destination for studying fine art in London. Our Centre is renowned for its high-quality tuition, classical foundations, and innovative teaching practices.

We’ve proudly delivered workshops and bespoke art courses for prestigious institutions such as the National Gallery, Royal Academy of Arts, Southbank Centre, BBC, ITV, and more.

Our dedicated team of tutors continually brings in cutting-edge methods and techniques—helping students of all backgrounds develop their artistic skills while reinforcing the Centre’s reputation as one of London’s top art schools.

Contact

A: Sunny Art Centre, Covent Garden, Kemble St, London, WC2B 4AW
T: 020-86165990 
E: info@sunnyartcentre.co.uk
Office Opening Hours: 10 am- 6 pm (Mon-Fri)

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STEPS 1

Book your art workshop online and complete your payment.

STEPS 2

After payment, email or phone us to arrange your preferred start date. 

Course Structure (4 Consecutive Days)

  • Day 1 & 2: 10 am–5 pm: Full-day guided tuition with your tutor
  • Day 3:
    • Morning (10 am–1 pm): Taught session
    • Afternoon (2 pm–5 pm): Self-directed studio practice
  • Day 4:
    • Morning (10 am–1 pm): Studio practice
    • Afternoon (2 pm–5 pm): Final guided session + feedback & review

Group or Private Art Workshop Key Information:

Our 4-day workshop is available as both Private 1-to-1 Tuition and Group Tuition.

For Group Tuition, you will need to pre-arrange your group before booking. We can accommodate groups of up to 10 participants.

The workshop is offered year-round, and you can choose any 4 consecutive days (Monday to Sunday) as your preferred schedule. All sessions are held onsite at our Covent Garden studio in central London.

Workshop Hours: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

KEY DETAILS

  • We will need at least 2 weeks' notice before your start date to ensure availability.
Chiaroscuro Portraiture – Old Master Oil Painting Course

Private One on One

2 Students

  • Price (incl. VAT): £1,320/person (£110/lesson)
  • You save: £120
  • Duration: 12 lessons (2 hours each)

3 Students

  • Price (incl. VAT): £1,200/person (£100/lesson)
  • You save: £240
  • Duration: 12 lessons (2 hours each)

4 Students

  • Price (incl. VAT): £1,080/person (£90/lesson)
  • You save: £360
  • Duration: 12 lessons (2 hours each)

5 Students

  • Price (incl. VAT): £960/person (£80/lesson)
  • You save: £480
  • Duration: 12 lessons (2 hours each)

6 Students

  • Price (incl. VAT): £840/person (£70/lesson)
  • You save: £600
  • Duration: 12 lessons (2 hours each)

7 Students

  • Price (incl. VAT): £792/person (£66/lesson)
  • You save: £648
  • Duration: 12 lessons (2 hours each)

8 Students

  • Price (incl. VAT): £744/person (£62/lesson)
  • You save: £696
  • Duration: 12 lessons (2 hours each)

9 Students

  • Price (incl. VAT): £696/person (£58/lesson)
  • You save: £744
  • Duration: 12 lessons (2 hours each)

10 Students

  • Price (incl. VAT): £672/person (£56/lesson)
  • You save: £768
  • Duration: 12 lessons (2 hours each)

11 Students

  • Price (incl. VAT): £648/person (£54/lesson)
  • You save: £792
  • Duration: 12 lessons (2 hours each)

12 Students

  • Price (incl. VAT): £624/person (£52/lesson)
  • You save: £816
  • Duration: 12 lessons (2 hours each)

Private One on One

2 Students

  • Price (incl. VAT): £1,320/person (£110/lesson)
  • You save: £120
  • Duration: 12 lessons (2 hours each)

3 Students

  • Price (incl. VAT): £1,200/person (£100/lesson)
  • You save: £240
  • Duration: 12 lessons (2 hours each)

4 Students

  • Price (incl. VAT): £1,080/person (£90/lesson)
  • You save: £360
  • Duration: 12 lessons (2 hours each)

5 Students

  • Price (incl. VAT): £960/person (£80/lesson)
  • You save: £480
  • Duration: 12 lessons (2 hours each)

6 Students

  • Price (incl. VAT): £840/person (£70/lesson)
  • You save: £600
  • Duration: 12 lessons (2 hours each)

7 Students

  • Price (incl. VAT): £792/person (£66/lesson)
  • You save: £648
  • Duration: 12 lessons (2 hours each)

8 Students

  • Price (incl. VAT): £744/person (£62/lesson)
  • You save: £696
  • Duration: 12 lessons (2 hours each)

9 Students

  • Price (incl. VAT): £696/person (£58/lesson)
  • You save: £744
  • Duration: 12 lessons (2 hours each)

10 Students

  • Price (incl. VAT): £672/person (£56/lesson)
  • You save: £768
  • Duration: 12 lessons (2 hours each)

11 Students

  • Price (incl. VAT): £648/person (£54/lesson)
  • You save: £792
  • Duration: 12 lessons (2 hours each)

12 Students

  • Price (incl. VAT): £624/person (£52/lesson)
  • You save: £816
  • Duration: 12 lessons (2 hours each)

London's Premium Art Courses Unlock Your Artistic Potential with

ADVANTAGES

Why Join Our Dutch Flower Oil Painting Masterclass in London?

Portrait underpainting study at london sunny art centre

Master Timeless Old Master Portrait Painting Techniques

Learn classical oil painting methods used by legendary artists such as Caravaggio, Rembrandt, and Leonardo da Vinci. This course offers a rare opportunity to study traditional techniques like grisaille, glazing, and chiaroscuro—essential skills for realistic portraiture and fine art mastery.

 

Taught in Central London – Covent Garden Studio

Enjoy learning in the heart of London at Sunny Art Centre’s Covent Garden studio, a vibrant cultural hub with easy access to major transport links. Experience a peaceful and inspiring environment with professional studio facilities.

Create Your Own Chiaroscuro Portrait Master Study

By the end of the course, you’ll complete a museum-worthy chiaroscuro portrait and gain a certificate of completion. This piece will be a strong addition to your art portfolio and a testament to your refined technique.

Study Chiaroscuro Portraiture Painting Technique at Sunny Art Centre Covent Garden  

Structured, Step-by-Step Learning

Our intensive 4-day course breaks down the entire process of creating a dramatic chiaroscuro portrait—from drawing and tonal values to underpainting and colour application. Perfect for both beginners and experienced artists seeking a solid foundation in historical oil painting.

Expert Tutors Trained in European Classical Methods

Be guided by classically trained tutors with academic backgrounds from prestigious institutions such as the Royal Academy of Arts, Central Saint Martins, Florence's Charles H. Cecil Studios, and École des Beaux-Arts in Paris. Get personalised feedback and mentorship at every stage.

Certified Course – Ideal for Portfolios & Career Development

All students receive an official certificate from Sunny Art Centre. Whether you're preparing for art school, developing your professional artist portfolio, or simply deepening your skills, this course adds recognised value to your artistic credentials.

OUR ART TUTORS

Our tutors have exceptional skills and unparalleled experience when it comes to advising students for their portfolios. they honed their valuable skills and trained at some of the most prestigious institutions in the world, including the Royal College of Art and the Royal Academy of Arts, the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris, Central Saint Martins College of Art, Chelsea College of Art, Bartlett School of Architecture, and Goldsmith College of Art in London, the Athens Academy in Greece and the Florence Academy of Art. They exhibit their work in the UK as well as internationally, and have appeared in various publications and programs, including those of the BBC. These qualities guarantee the high success rate our students achieve in entering the programmes of their choice.

The extraordinary efforts of the art tutors ensure that the organisation can continuously deliver bespoke cutting-edge art tuition for students both on-site at our London art studio, Sunny Art Centre or remotely online.

CONTACT US

ADDRESS:
Sunny Art Centre
Covent Garden
Kemble St
London
WC2B 4AW

TELEPHONE:
020-86165990

EMAILS

GENERAL ENQUIRES:
info@sunnyartcentre.co.uk

 

 

PLAN YOUR VISIT

OPENING HOURS:
Mon - Fri: 10:00- 18:00  Sat: 9:00-16:00  
Sun: Close to the Public

sunny art centre map

TUBE

Covent Garden: Picadilly Line

Holborn:  Central Line/Picadilly Line

   

BUSES

Aldwych Kingsway ( Stop F )
Buses: 1,68,91,168,188,N1,N68,N91,N171,SL6

CAR PARKS

Lincoln's Inn Fields Car Park (Open 24/7)
Urban Parking Shelton Street  (Open 24/7) 
NCP London Covent Garden (Open 24/7)
Intelli-Park Covent Garden (Open 24/7)

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