Master Portrait Painting Copies
6 Week Course
Wednesdays 12:30 - 2:30pm CT
April 19th - May 24th 2023
Attend In-Studio or via Live Interactive Video
Learn the language of portrait painting, one brushstroke at a time.
Copying master portrait paintings is a tradition.
Musicians learn to play the greatest compositions in their field before they endeavor to create their own. Writers read and analyze great writing in order to understand structure and grammar.
Artists have historically learned to paint through copying master paintings, learning how and why each stroke was placed and each color was mixed. This is where you learn how to translate the visual world into paint.

Learn two opposing classic methods of painting.
You'll complete two portraits in six weeks: One created with a traditional underpainting and glazing technique, and another painted Alla Prima.
Choose from a variety of pre-selected portraits, complete with a palette selection that closely resembles the pigments the original artist used.
About your instructor
Lacey Swift (formerly Lewis) is well known as a portrait and figurative artist and teacher. She began teaching in 2006 and opener her first studio in 2008. Gradually this evolved to what is currently School of Realist Art located in the suburbs of Kansas City, where aspiring artists learn both classic and modern approaches to the traditional arts of realistic drawing and painting.
Check Out Lacey's Art
How Does the Virtual Option Work?
In some ways, attending virtually is even better than attending in-studio. Here's why:
- You always have the best seat for the demo! A camera is over the instructor's shoulder and a mic nearby, so you never have a blocked or distant view.
- Digital painting is utilized for feedback. Email Lacey a photo (this is much better than trying to use your video camera!) and she will use a program to draw/paint digitally over your work, showing you exactly what to do next, live during class time.
- Continue working even if class is finished. No need to stop and clean up because time is up: Keep working if you're in the zone, or get a head start before class begins.

What Materials Do I Need?
If you're in-studio: I got you! No need to bring anything unless you want to.
If you're attending from home, you'll need a variety of drawing and painting supplies on hand. I created a PDF which lists everything you'll need!
Materials List Coming Soon