Chiaroscuro Portrait Painting Technique I Art Master Course

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.

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.

• 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.

• 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

• 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

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

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.

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

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.

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)