Portrait Painting in Oil — 5-Day Workshop with Cornelia Hernes 12/10/26 – 16/10/26

Carmine Crimson Studios | Painting from Life

Dates: 12/10/26 – 16/10/26
Time: 10:30am – 5:30pm
Course length: 5 days
Level: All
Location: Carmine Crimson Studios, 39.5 Castle Street, Guildford, Surrey GU2 9UH
Please note; Unfortunately due to the nature and age of the building, there is no lift access and the studio is on the first floor and requires access via one set of stairs.

Limited places — small-group instruction for personal attention
Solvent-free workshop

Join internationally acclaimed artist and teacher Cornelia Hernes for an inspiring five-day workshop dedicated to the art of portrait painting from life.

Working directly from a professional model, students will be guided through every stage of the portrait painting process, from the first charcoal block-in to a fully developed oil painting. Whether you are looking to strengthen your foundations or deepen your existing practice, this workshop offers a unique opportunity to learn from one of the most respected teachers working within the classical realist tradition today.

Throughout the week, Cornelia will share the methods and principles that have shaped her own work as an artist and educator, helping students develop a clearer understanding of observation, drawing, colour, value, and form. With demonstrations, individual guidance, and plenty of time at the easel, the focus will be on building confidence alongside technical skill.

What You Will Learn

The workshop begins with an introduction to palette organisation and colour mixing, alongside a discussion of how to observe and analyse the portrait. Students will explore colour relationships, value structure, and the underlying forms of the head before completing a small colour study to become familiar with the character and presence of the model.

As the week progresses, students will learn a range of practical tools and techniques designed to improve accuracy and strengthen observation, including:

* Comparative measurement
* Plumb lines and sight-size principles
* Visual isolation techniques
* Using mirrors and simple measuring tools
* Understanding gesture, proportion, and structure
* Simplifying light and shadow into clear, readable shapes

Students will be guided through each stage of the painting process, including:

* Charcoal block-in and composition
* Monochrome underpainting
* Developing form and structure
* Building colour relationships
* Refinement and finishing

A Supportive Learning Environment

Cornelia is known for her clear, encouraging, and highly structured teaching style. Students will receive regular individual feedback throughout the week, helping them identify strengths, overcome challenges, and gain a deeper understanding of the portrait painting process.

With a maximum of just ten participants, this workshop offers a focused and supportive atmosphere where every student can benefit from personal attention and guidance.

Who Is This Workshop For?

This workshop is suitable for artists with some prior drawing or painting experience, from enthusiastic beginners through to more advanced painters looking to refine their skills.

If you are passionate about painting from life and would like to develop a stronger, more confident approach to portraiture, this workshop will provide both the practical tools and the artistic insight to help you move forward.

By the End of the Workshop

Participants will leave with:

* A completed portrait painting from life
* A clearer understanding of colour, value, form, and structure
* Improved observational and measuring skills
* A practical, repeatable approach to portrait painting
* Greater confidence in working from life

About Cornelia Hernes

Cornelia Hernes is a Norwegian artist whose work is rooted in the classical realist tradition. She trained at the Florence Academy of Art in Italy and later spent more than a decade as Principal Instructor at the academy’s campuses in Italy, Sweden, and the United States.

With over twenty years of experience as both an artist and educator, Cornelia is widely admired for her thoughtful, structured, and supportive approach to teaching. Her workshops combine rigorous training with genuine encouragement, helping students build strong foundations while developing their own artistic voice.

Whether you are seeking to improve your technical skills or deepen your understanding of portrait painting, studying with Cornelia is a rewarding and enriching experience.