Learn from Rembrandt. Shadows aren’t black. This is a very common misconception. What truly gives depth to the shadows is color that emphasizes the sense of glowing light. My tip if you struggle with dull shadows: add more orange to your mixture. It’s amazing how much depth a little color can add. . . . #art #rembrandt #shadows #howtopaintshadows #howtopaintrealisticshadows #chiaroscuro #shadowpainting #rembrandtlighting #oilpaintingshadows #classicalpainting

A common problem: students say they want to paint like Rembrandt, Odd Nerdrum, or Titian... But they’re working with materials made for elementary school art class. Working with improper materials will hold you back in more ways than you realize. Imagine trying to trim the grass on a golf course using only a pair of scissors... How frustrating would that be? The process would take all your time and energy. Sooner or later you’d probably realize it’s a dead end task, lose hope, and give up entirely.. Whether you realize it or not, it’s just the same in painting. Improper materials just aren’t going to cut it. Worst of all, they’ll waste your time, waste your energy, leave you frustrated, and make you think that you’re the problem when you’re not!! Your materials are. The saddest truth of all. You’ve never had the opportunity to see what you’re truly capable of... because your materials have been holding you back. That’s why I created Material Mastery. I want to help you get the proper set up and studio space, so instead of battling against your materials, you can focus on what truly matters: the craft. Join me for material mastery to learn how to make your studio space work for you, so you start working like a master. Comment “Mastery” for more info on how to join. . . . #art #oilpainting #nicthurman #oilpaintingmaterials #oilpainter #classicalpainter #paintlikeamaster

Stretching the perfect canvas. Some may say it’s a waste of time and money… I consider it an absolute necessity. Want to learn about everything I do to prepare my materials and studio space for painting?! Comment ’Mastery’ and I’ll give you info on my upcoming live cohort workshop Material Mastery. . . . #art #oilpainting #classicalpainting #oilpaintingsupplies #howtooilpqint #canavasstretching #howtostretchcanvas #stretchingcanvas #artcanvas #linen #oilgroundpreparation #oldmasteroilground #oldmasters #paintingmaterials #arthelp

Last call for Block-in Bootcamp! Learn the essential foundations of portrait structure so you can quickly achieve likeness and a solid base to build from. This 11-day intensive program is designed to completely transform your approach to portraits. Bootcamp Features:  📅 Eleven Days of Intensive Learning: Each day focuses on a specific aspect of the block-in process.  🎥 Live Sessions: Join me daily for live demonstrations and in-depth discussions. Note, all live sessions will be recorded for your viewing convenience. 💬 Interactive Q&A: Get your questions answered in real-time.  📚 Exclusive Materials: Access to downloadable resources, exercises, and homework to reinforce your learning.  🌍 Community Support: Engage with fellow artists in a dedicated course forum.  🖌 Personal Feedback: VIP access offers personalized critiques to help refine your technique.  What You’ll Learn:  -A strategic and reliable approach to portraits. -The core principles of effective block-in techniques. -How to achieve accurate proportions and set up your portrait for success.  -Useful, universal portrait measurements that can be used across all varieties of subjects.  -Key light and shadows that are consistent in Rembrandt lighting. -Tactics for increased confidence in approaching and handling portraits.  -How to idealize your subject.  -Tips and tricks from years of first hand practice, studying the masters, and teaching students like you.  How to Enroll:  Ready to make more solid portraits? Secure your spot today by visiting the link in my bio or: https://nichollis-thurman-s-school.teachable.com/p/block-in-bootcamp1  Get 10% Off With Code: PORTRAIT Bonus Offer:  Sign up by March 22nd for a first edition printed copy of the portrait block-in guide for free!  . . . #portraitpaintingfromlife #portrait #portraitproportions #proportionoftheportrait #oilpaintingportrait #portraitpainter #portraitpainting

Join me for Block-In Bootcamp, an 11 day intensive program, where I’ll guide you through the essential techniques and secrets to masterfully blocking in your portraits, setting a solid foundation to build on. Whether you're a beginner eager to learn the basics or an experienced painter looking to refine your skills, this bootcamp is designed for anyone who wants a more solid approach to portraiture!  What You'll Learn:  -A strategic and reliable approach to portraits. -The core principles of effective block-in techniques. -How to achieve accurate proportions and set up your portrait for success.  -The underlying structure that is crucial for lifelike portraits.  -Useful, universal portrait measurements that can be used across all varieties of subjects. -How to simplify facial features so they're more manageable.  -Key light and shadows that are consistent in Rembrandt lighting. -Strategies for capturing the essence of your subject quickly.  -Tactics for increased confidence in approaching and handling portraits.  -How to idealize your subject.  -Tips and tricks from years of first hand practice, studying the masters, and teaching students like you.  Bootcamp Features:  📅 Eleven Days of Intensive Learning: Each day focuses on a specific aspect of the block-in process.  🎥 Live Sessions: Join me daily for live demonstrations and in-depth discussions. Note, all live sessions will be recorded for your viewing convenience. 💬 Interactive Q&A: Get your questions answered in real-time.  📚 Exclusive Materials: Access to downloadable resources, exercises, and homework to reinforce your learning.  🌍 Community Support: Engage with fellow artists in a dedicated course forum.  🖌 Personal Feedback: VIP access offers personalized critiques to help refine your technique.  How to Enroll:  Ready to elevate your portraits? Secure your spot today by visiting: https://nichollis-thurman-s-school.teachable.com/p/block-in-bootcamp1 or link in bio. Get 10% Off With Code: PORTRAIT Bonus Offer:  Sign up by March 22nd for a first edition printed copy of the portrait block-in guide for free!  Questions?  I'm here to help. If you have any questions about the bootcamp or the enrollment process, feel free to reach out via info@nicthurman.com