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Workshop with Elkin Cañas
HOW TO PAINT REALISTIC PORTRAITS FROM PICTURES
November 18th-21st
9:30 AM to 4:30 PM – 1:30 PM to 4:30 PM
Discover the timeless techniques of the masters and bring your portraits to life.
What are you going to learn
In this intensive 4-day workshop, you will learn how to create a natural and realistic portrait using photographic references—transforming them into paintings that feel alive and breathing. Guided step-by-step, you’ll uncover the secrets artists have relied on for centuries and learn how to make artistic decisions that move beyond copying photos, giving your portraits atmosphere, depth, and authenticity.
What You’ll Learn
• The essential methods of master painters—adapted to contemporary practice.
• The key differences between painting from life and from photographs, and how to bridge the gap.
• Practical strategies to create portraits that radiate presence and vitality.
Workshop Schedule
Day 1 – Composition & Underpainting
• Learn to separate light, shadow, and halftones with clarity.
• Build a strong foundation that sets up the entire painting.
Day 2 – Skin Tones & Local Colors
• Establish the tonal key of your portrait.
• Learn how to mix and apply natural skin tones.
• Understand the structure of planes and values.
Day 3 – Features & Skin Tone Development
• Refine facial features with accuracy and sensitivity.
• Control the focal point of your painting.
• Master warm and cool color relationships in skin tones.
Day 4 – Refinement, Edges, Atmosphere & Glazing
• Bring harmony, air, and depth to your painting.
• Learn glazing techniques to enhance richness.
• Create a finished portrait with life, atmosphere, and character.
Results
By the end of the course, you’ll take home a completed portrait that embodies centuries of painting knowledge—one that feels alive, natural, and fully your own.
Investment: $650
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This course is an excerpt from our 2 year program
4 week Intensive Program
🎨 120-Hour Intensive Course. You don’t need to travel to Europe to learn the academic principles of the great masters. In just 4 weeks you’ll immerse yourself in the timeless techniques of classical drawing and painting, right here in Miami. ✨ Enrollment is always open, because mastery doesn’t wait.
STUDENTS WILL DO
1rst week: introductory exercises, value scale, geometric forms, Bargue drawing plates, old master drawing copy in pencil
2nd week: cast drawing in charcoal, old master drawing copy, various exercises.
3rd week: limited palette exercise, figure painting in limited palette with live model, painting value study, still life in limited palette and art history class.
4th week: still life, figure painting with live model full palette.
Fee: $1,500.00. Materials not included.
our HIstory
Pioneering Artistic Excellence: A Legacy of Master Workshops at Our Academy
At our institution, we take pride in our enduring commitment to artistic education and the enrichment it brings to our community. Over the years, we've hosted a series of master workshops that not only showcase but also cultivate the deep pool of talent within the art world. These workshops have been led by renowned artists who are masters in their respective fields, offering our students and participants an unparalleled opportunity to learn from the best.
- August 2025 - Ramiro Sanchez, Portrait with Hands Drawing and Painting Workshop
- August 2024 - Ramiro Sanchez, Figure Drawing and Painting Workshop
- September 2023 - Ramiro Sanchez, Figure Drawing and Painting Workshop
- September 2022 - Carlos Lopez, Based for Figure Painting
- January 2020 - Brett Harvey, Sculpture Workshop
- July 2019 - Ramiro Sanchez, Figure Drawing and Painting Workshop
- July 2018 - Dan Thompson, Structural Portrait Drawing
- April 2018 - Natural Pigments, Best Practices
- February 2018 - John de Martin, Figure Painting Workshop
- September 2017 - Elkin Canas, Flower Painting in the Style of Fantin Latour
- May 2017 - Juan Carlos Martinez, In the Studios of William Bouguereau
- November 2016 - Lauren Amalia Redding, Silverpoint Demo
- October 2016 - Alicia Ponzio, Portrait Sculpture Workshop
- September 2016 - Dan Thompson Workshop
- February 2016 - Nancy Spielman, Color with Gamblin
- July 2015 - Alicia Ponzio, Figure Sculpture Workshop
- March 2015 - Jesus Villarreal, Live Figure Workshop
- March 2015 - Carlos Martinez Leon, Velazquez Technique
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Disclaimer:
This promotion is valid until March 31, 2025 and applies only to select MIFA workshops. It does not include short courses or the Atelier program. Availability is limited, and terms and conditions apply.
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