Learn to paint like the Masters.

A classical portrait painting of a man with a beard and pale blue eyes, wearing a large black hat and historic clothing, with one hand on his hip, set against a plain background.

The painting depicts a dramatic scene with several men, primarily in dark and earthy tones, gathered around a table illuminated by a single intense beam of light. An older man with gray hair and a beard points, captivating the attention of the others. Young boys are also present, one sitting on a stool with his back to the viewer, and another leaning over the table. The room features an open window letting in sunlight, casting shadows across the scene.

Painting of a regal man sitting on a throne, wearing a red robe, a tall hat, and holding a document, with a rich red background.

Close-up of a young girl with blue headscarf, smiling slightly, with a dark background.

A classical oil painting depicts The Last Supper, showing Jesus Christ with his twelve apostles seated at a long table, surrounded by food, grapes, bread, and fruit.

Create something beautiful.

How it Works

Our painting process, inspired by the Masters

Step-by-step progression of a portrait of a man, starting from a sketch, then adding basic colors, shading, and finally detailed realistic features in a classical painting style.

Step 1: Create Your Reference

Show us what you want to paint. We’ll help you develop and refine your idea into a carefully composed reference image designed for painting. Not sure where to start? Choose from one of our studio reference images—a still life, landscape, or portrait—with options ranging from easy to challenging.

Step 2: Select a Canvas

Choose the canvas size that best fits your reference and how you want your finished painting to feel. We offer three sizes—12 × 16, 18 × 24, and 24 × 36 inches—and we’ll help you select the right size and orientation for your composition.

Step 3: Draw the Composition

Learn how to accurately transfer and construct your composition on the canvas, establishing proportions, placement, and the major forms.

Step 4: Prepare the Canvas & Underpainting

Learn how to apply the imprimatura—the traditional toned ground—and establish the first simplified underpainting.

Step 5: Block In the Painting

Establish the major shapes, masses, lights, shadows, and overall relationships without getting distracted by details.

Step 6: Model the Form with Value

Develop the illusion of three-dimensional form by refining light, shadow, halftones, and transitions.

Step 7: Build the Color

Introduce color while preserving the value structure underneath. Learn to control temperature, saturation, flesh tones, and color relationships through successive layers.

Step 8: Refine & Finish

Bring the painting to life with subtle transitions, edges, textures, details, accents, and carefully placed final highlights.

If you’d like more information, please contact us. We’d be happy to answer your questions and personally walk you through our process.

Studio opening October 2026

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Sessions & Pricing

Two-hour personalized instruction

Classical techniques and traditional materials

All skill levels welcome

All supplies included

No previous painting experience required

No contracts or long-term commitment

Standard session price: $120

Waitlist Member Offer

Join the waitlist and receive your first session FREE, plus 50% off your second session.

Click below to join the waitlist.

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Personalized Guidance

Personalized instruction tailored to your pace, interests, and goals.

A woman wearing a white dress and a large straw hat with a bow, painting outdoors in front of an easel. A man with a mustache, sitting nearby, looks at her while being painted. The background features lush green trees and a stone balustrade, with a waterfall or fountain in the distance.

Timeless Techniques

Learn the foundations of classical oil painting, including color, composition, form, and brushwork.

Close-up of Michelangelo's marble sculpture of David, showing the upper body and face, with thoughtful expression, in a museum setting.

Find Your Flow

Step away from screens, deadlines, and distractions for two focused hours of creative work.

A woman sitting on a chair, looking down at a string of beads she is holding, with a green glass jug on the floor in front of her.

Who is this for?

Painting is more than learning to make a beautiful picture. It is an opportunity to slow down, work with your hands, develop a lifelong skill, and spend a few hours completely absorbed in the creative process.

A highly detailed, classical oil painting depicting a crowded interior scene with numerous people, artworks, and objects. The scene includes men and women engaged in various activities, with some painting, reading, and observing. The background features many framed paintings and decorative elements, creating an artful, busy atmosphere.

Perfect For

Anyone Who Has Always Wanted to Paint

You don’t need natural talent or previous experience. We guide you step by step toward creating a beautiful oil painting you’ll be proud to display.

Complete Beginners

Never picked up a paintbrush? That’s perfectly fine. Our personalized approach makes traditional oil painting approachable, understandable, and enjoyable from the very beginning.

Busy & Stressed Professionals

Trade screens, meetings, and deadlines for a few hours of focused creativity. Learn a meaningful skill, slow down, and leave each session seeing real progress in your painting.

Those Looking for a Calming, Focused Activity

The step-by-step nature of traditional painting encourages you to slow down and concentrate on one thing at a time. This can be especially appealing to those who experience stress, anxiety, or difficulty maintaining focus.

Artists Ready to Improve

Already painting but feel stuck? Personalized instruction allows us to identify exactly where you need help and guide you toward stronger, more professional-looking results.

Lovers of Traditional Art

If you’ve ever stood in a museum and wondered, “How did they paint that?”—this is for you. Learn the principles and techniques behind the beautiful paintings that have inspired generations.

The goal is simple, create something beautiful.

You’ll learn traditional techniques, develop real painting skills, enjoy focused time away from everyday distractions, and experience the satisfaction of watching your painting come to life—one step at a time.

A classical painting of a group of young girls and women dressed in historical clothing, gathered inside a dimly lit room, with a dog lying on the floor in front.

Painting of a woman dressed in 17th-century European aristocratic costume, with a large black hat, elaborate patterned dress, and lace underskirt, holding a round object, possibly a fan or a small ball.

A portrait of a person wearing a black hat and dark clothing, with a dark brown background.

A still life painting of a grape and cherry clusters on a dark background, with a white flower, glass, and a cake or pastry in the composition.

A painting of a woman with a white headscarf, dark clothing, and a gentle expression, standing in front of a dark, ornate background. The painting is situated in an art gallery with a person sitting in front, partially visible wearing a blue plaid shirt and gold jewelry.

Slow Down. Create Something Timeless.

Reserve time for your creativity and begin learning the art of oil painting, one brushstroke at a time.

Contact Old Masters Fine Art