Early Bird: Portrait Painting In Oils

Lewis MacKenzie (b. 1981) is a contemporary impressionist painter based near Glasgow. His work has been exhibited by the Royal Society of Portrait Painters, the Royal Glasgow Institute, and the Paisley Art Institute, and is held in numerous private collections. He has shown with galleries in Glasgow, Edinburgh and London, appeared on Sky Portrait Artist of the Year, and has been shortlisted twice for the Scottish Landscape Awards. In 2023, he was awarded the Murray and McGregor Prize at the Scottish Prize for Fine Art.

An art school drop-out turned biologist turned painter, Lewis rekindled his lifelong passion for drawing and painting in the early 2010s. In 2014 he was awarded a summer scholarship to the Florence Academy of Art, where he studied traditional techniques of drawing and painting from life. His artistic influences include Velázquez, Vermeer, Guthrie, Sargent, and the Boston School Impressionists, whose sensitivity to light and form continue to inform his approach.

Lewis has taught portrait painting and drawing at the Edinburgh Drawing School and is a core mentor with the Scottish Contemporary Collective. His teaching combines clarity and structure with warmth and humour, aiming to make traditional principles of drawing and painting accessible to artists at every level.

This 10-week course provides a structured, practical introduction to painting the portrait from life. Working directly from professional models, students explore proportion, structure, and colour through a progressive sequence of paintings and exercises.

The course begins with monochrome studies to establish confident tonal control, moves to warm-and-cool colour relationships, and culminates in full-colour painting with a limited palette.

Emphasis is placed on direct observation, understanding structure and anatomy, and developing expressive, confident paint handling. Suitable for all levels, though best suited to those with some prior drawing or painting experience.

Classes are taught in a small group of no more than eight students, allowing for focused individual guidance.

All materials provided – just bring brushes and palette knives.

• Accurate head proportion and key anatomical landmarks

• Light, shadow, and colour relationships

• Wet-into-wet paint handling

• Progression from monochrome to limited palette colour

• Translating direct observation into expressive form

You’ll complete a series of portraits from life that build your understanding step by step.

All painting and drawing materials provided

• Professional live models

• Small group teaching (maximum 8 students)

• Easels, palettes, and studio equipment supplied

• Refreshments available during the break

Students need only bring brushes, palette knives and a surface to paint on.

House of Toad, Park Circus, Glasgow G3

The venue is easily accessible by public transport, and is about a 10 - 15 minute walk from Kelvinbridge Subway station. Parking nearby can be expensive, so public transport is recommended. Full address and directions will be included in your confirmation email.

Do I need experience?
The class welcomes all levels, though some prior drawing or painting experience is helpful.

What materials do I need to bring?
Just brushes and palette knives — all other materials are provided.

Can I miss a class?
You’re encouraged to attend each week, but if you miss a session, you’ll receive guidance on how to catch up independently.

Can I book only part of the course?
Students must register for the full 10-week course. However, if you’re unable to attend the full term, you’re welcome to transfer your place to a friend for the remaining sessions.

What is your refund policy?

• You’ll receive a full refund if you cancel more than 3 weeks before the start of the course

• If cancelling 2–3 weeks before the start date you’ll receive a 50% refund.

• Cancellations less than 2 weeks before the start date are non-refundable, but you may transfer your booking to a friend if you can no longer attend.

• If the course is cancelled by the organiser (for example, due to illness or low enrolment), a full refund or reschedule will be offered.

Are spaces limited?
Yes. Each class is kept small (maximum 8 students) to allow for individual guidance and one-to-one feedback.

Save £30 when you book before 13 December.
Limited to the first three students.