Learn to paint in a loose but intentional style, with fresh brushwork and beautiful color.

Instructor: Lacey Swift (Lewis)

When: Saturday - Sunday, October 4th & 5th, 2025

Time: 10am-5pm 

Location: School of Realist Art
7800 Shawnee Mission Parkway, Suite #17
Overland Park, KS 66202

Tuition: $250 in-studio includes all materials 
$150 virtual attendance includes recordings and feedback

Workshop Details

Materials: $250 fee for in-studio attendance includes all materials. No need to purchase or haul supplies! Virtual students see below for supply list.

Photo References: A variety of photo references will be provided, including the references Lacey will use to demonstrate as well as numerous others!

Museum Visit: Optional Nelson-Atkins Museum visit Friday night featuring a tour of portraits, highlighting techniques to use in your paintings.

Lunches & Refreshments: Coffee, water, and snacks available in-studio. Lunches are available at nearby restaurants, can be ordered-in, or feel free to pack your own.

Tuition Refund Policy: Refunds available up to 30 days before the workshop. Due to limited class space, tuition is non-refundable after this time period.

Download the Full Schedule by Clicking the Image

The Experience

Repetition of logical steps in the painting process builds your confidence and ability to make quick decisions. You will leave inspired and excited to tackle portraits in oil at home!

Your first day begins with a follow-along painting demonstration by Lacey outlining the exact steps to follow at each stage. Take your time developing the proportions and value patterns in the morning, before tackling skin tones and depth in the afternoon.

The second day you switch to another reference photo, allowing you to practice mixing and painting different skin tones and lighting situations.

Concepts of Focus

Alla prima painting is associated with speed, loose brushwork, chromatic colors. However, the secret to that fresh, quickly painted feeling is focus, awareness, and intention. 

In this workshop, you'll learn 3 stages for building a portrait in a limited palette that will speed-up your process, while allowing you time to slow down and make clear, meaningful marks with your brush.

About the Instructor

Lacey Swift (formerly Lacey Lewis) is known and internationally recognized for her realistic figurative and portrait paintings. She is passionate about sharing knowledge and inspiring artists at every level, because she believes that developing an art practice can change your life by deepening your connection with your self and your environment.