Learning from Masters: Alla Prima Portrait in Oil
20th Jun 2025
In this workshop you will learn traditional oil portraiture by copying a painting by one of the old masters, working alla prima. You will leave the workshop with a finished portrait painting.
This workshop covers:
- proportions in portraits
- likeness
- colour mixing
- paint handling
Paulina Kwietniewska is a Polish-born figurative artist based between London and Łódź. Her practice is rooted in classical oil techniques, focusing on portraiture and the quiet beauty of ordinary moments. Largely self-taught, she draws inspiration from literature and personal memory to create atmospheric, storytelling works. An experienced muralist and tutor, Paulina was a semi-finalist in the 2025 Sky Arts Portrait Artist of the Year competition, winning her heat with a portrait of acclaimed writer Elif Shafak. paulinakwietniewska.com
Location: Cass Art Kensington
Date & times: 20th June 2026, 10am - 2pm
Ages: 15+
Materials required:
Reference photos, oil painting paper and solvents will be provided. All participants need to bring a selection of oil brushes in varying shapes and sizes. You can either book the class with all other materials provided (choose the £75 ticket) or bring your own materials (choose the £65 option). If bringing your own, please make sure you have the following:
- Oil paints: titanium white, yellow ochre, cadmium red and ivory black
- A selection of oil painting brushes in different sizes
- You will also be able to buy all required materials in store on the day of the event with a 10% discount
Tickets: £65 without materials / £75 all materials included
Please note, this workshop takes place on the lower ground floor and there is no step-free access. The workshop takes place on the shop floor during trading hours. Please expect typical levels of sound, light, and activity.
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