Class Dates: July 5 – August 9, 2025

For info on the class itself, see my previous blog post. Find more info on current classes on Instagram @steveforsterpaints.

In addition to the Saturday zooms, Steve also offers an additional critique mid-week. Students can send their painting from class, or something else they may be working on. As part of my 100 portraits challenge, I painted a self-portrait shortly before class started. I was interested in getting Steve’s critique on it. I was somewhat happy with the portrait, until I saw Steve’s critique (in which he digitally paints on top of your image). It was amazing!

For about 15 minutes he demonstrated the areas he would work on. He made a correction in one of the features (one end of the mouth ended too high). He then added more darks, color, highlights and texture. It was a revelation! Taking a ‘flat’ portrait and giving it life.

Steve’s feedback prompted me to work on the portrait some more. Shown below is the result. I cannot recommend Steve’s expertise and teaching style enough.

There’s Always Hope self-portrait, original painting (left) and my updated painting taking on board the critique comments (right)

Class Dates: July 5 – August 9, 2025

For all levels. Class content as explained by Steve: “This six-week portrait-painting course explors how cinematic techniques such as cropping, close-up framing, dramatic lighting and color-grading shape our emotional response to a portrait. Rooted in the expressive language of Impressionism, the course emphasizes loose, fluid brushwork to capture atmosphere, character and mood.” See current class info on Instagram @steveforsterpaints.

Weeks 1 – 3 were spent painting one portrait. Initially the setting out the drawing and starting to get some colours down. Week 2 continuing with the portrait. Week 3 working on the hair and background, adding movement and texture.

Portrait progress photos. Painting based on an original photo reference supplied by Steve Forster

Steve was generous with his time and expertise, and offers amazing feedback (either on the class portrait, or something else you are working on). The critique includes Steve drawing on screen digitally to show you clearly the eras of imprevement. for me this was to make the contrast on each piece stronger, adding highlights, working on form and adding texture. The final image above shows how the form and texture built over the weeks.

This is the first class of Steve’s I’ve taken and would definitely recommend his classes if you’re interested in improving your portraiture skills.

Find out more about Steve’s work on his website.