From Beginner to Pro – Discover Top Portrait Painting Classes for Oil, Watercolor, and Digital Art

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Are you ready to capture the essence of personality and emotion through portrait painting? In 2025, the best 40+ portrait painting courses are here to guide you from beginner basics to advanced mastery. Whether you’re dreaming of creating expressive watercolor portraits, hyperrealistic oil paintings, or surreal digital illustrations, these expert-led classes have something for every style and medium.

Start with foundational courses like “Watercolor Portrait Sketchbook,” “Oil Painting: Explore Creative Portraiture,” or “Expressive Figure Drawing: Explore Lines, Shapes and Colors,” where you’ll learn essential techniques and build confidence. For those eager to dive into specific styles, explore specialized workshops such as “Contemporary Hyperrealistic Portraiture,” “Stylized Portraits in Watercolor,” and “Realistic Pet Portraits with Oil Painting.” These courses will teach you how to master light, shade, texture, and expression while developing your unique artistic voice.

If your passion lies in digital art, try courses like “Creative Portrait Illustration with Procreate,” “Digital Fantasy Portraits with Photoshop,” or “Pictorial Portraits Using Digital Techniques.” These hands-on lessons will help you refine your skills while blending traditional and modern approaches to portraiture.

For crafters and innovators, innovative classes like “Embroidered Pet Portraits: The Thread Painting Technique” and “The Art of Woodcut Portraits” offer creative ways to explore unconventional mediums. Meanwhile, nature-inspired artists can delve into “Watercolor Portraits Inspired by Nature” or “Painting Nature Portraits with Mixed Illustration Techniques” to bring life to their creations.

Domestika’s instructors include experienced painters, illustrators, and designers who share their expertise through step-by-step guidance and practical tips. You’ll gain inspiration while working on real-world projects that can be used for personal enjoyment, portfolios, or even professional ventures.

By enrolling in these top-rated portrait painting courses, you’ll not only develop technical skills but also unlock new ways to express yourself artistically. Whether you’re painting vibrant eyes, surreal scenes, or fan art of pop culture characters, these resources ensure you stay inspired and motivated.

Don’t wait to take your portrait painting skills to the next level. Click below to explore the best 40+ portrait painting courses for 2025 and start creating stunning works of art today!

Ready to paint unforgettable faces? Click now to explore the best 40+ portrait painting courses for 2025 and start capturing emotions through art today!

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From Beginner to Pro - Discover Top Portrait Painting Classes for Oil, Watercolor, and Digital Art

1. Expressive Monochromatic Oil Portraits by Gustavo Velasco

Learn the technique of monochromatic oils and create expressive portraits that capture the power of your gestures and the quality of the materials

Image by © Gustavo Velasco, Via Domestika

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Painting Eyes with Oil for Vibrant Portraits by Alai Ganuza

2. Painting Eyes with Oil for Vibrant Portraits by Alai Ganuza

Learn to make expressive brushstrokes with colorful oil paint to bring portraits to life

Image by © Alai Ganuza, Via Domestika

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Playful Illustration with Watercolor & Colored Pencils by Daria Solak

3. Playful Illustration with Watercolor & Colored Pencils by Daria Solak

Explore patterns, textures, colors, and composition to create meaningful portraits filled with personality

Image by © Daria Solak, Via Domestika

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Mindful Painting with India Ink by zou wei

4. Mindful Painting with India Ink by zou wei

Learn to capture the essence of your ideas and find your inner peace by painting with water and ink

Image by © zou wei, Via Domestika

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Digital Painting with a Traditional Touch by Citlali Haro

5. Digital Painting with a Traditional Touch by Citlali Haro

Learn to represent everyday scenes with Photoshop and create your own visual language

Image by © Citlali Haro, Via Domestika

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Artistic Portrait with Watercolors by Ale Casanova

6. Artistic Portrait with Watercolors by Ale Casanova

Learn a foolproof technique for creating watercolor portraits, from the sketch to the finished piece

Image by © Ale Casanova, Via Domestika

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Expressive Oil Portrait Painting: Color and Gesture by Anetta Lukjanova

7. Expressive Oil Portrait Painting: Color and Gesture by Anetta Lukjanova

Learn to build your creative expression and apply it to the process of representational portrait painting

Image by © Anetta Lukjanova, Via Domestika

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Illustration Techniques with Digital Watercolor by Ricard López Iglesias

8. Illustration Techniques with Digital Watercolor by Ricard López Iglesias

Learn to create customized portraits with Adobe Photoshop

Image by © Ricard López Iglesias, Via Domestika

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Oil Painting Techniques Specialization by Specialization by multiple teachers

9. Oil Painting Techniques Specialization by Specialization by multiple teachers

Master oil painting techniques to create expressive portraits, surreal landscapes, and photorealistic effects using varied materials

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Contemporary Portraiture in Watercolor by Nuno  Pinto

10. Contemporary Portraiture in Watercolor by Nuno Pinto

Learn watercolor and drawing techniques to paint an expressive portrait from a photograph

Image by © Nuno Pinto, Via Domestika

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Expressive Watercolor Portraits by Arthur Braud

11. Expressive Watercolor Portraits by Arthur Braud

Explore color, composition, and technique to create captivating portraits with a powerful message

Image by © Arthur Braud, Via Domestika

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Portrait Painting with Oil: Explore Light and Shade by Jane French

12. Portrait Painting with Oil: Explore Light and Shade by Jane French

Experiment with light, color, composition, and mark-making to illustrate the features and expressions of a subject in a way that captures their story

Image by © Jane French, Via Domestika

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Fan Art Drawing with Watercolor and Colored Pencils by Ana Ilustra

13. Fan Art Drawing with Watercolor and Colored Pencils by Ana Ilustra

Learn to illustrate female characters with personality and essence, from the first strokes to the final artwork

Image by © Ana Ilustra, Via Domestika

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Realistic Pet Portraits with Oil Painting by Marcelo Rochá  @artrocha

14. Realistic Pet Portraits with Oil Painting by Marcelo Rochá @artrocha

Learn to paint your pets from scratch in oils using the expressiveness of the alla prima technique

Image by © Marcelo Rochá @artrocha, Via Domestika

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Artistic Gouache Painting: Animals and Plant Life by Alejandra  Caballero

15. Artistic Gouache Painting: Animals and Plant Life by Alejandra Caballero

Learn the basics of gouache painting. Find your inspiration for animal portraits, go through the sketching process, and discover your unique style.

Image by © Alejandra Caballero, Via Domestika

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Digital Painting: Female Fantasy Portraits by Fernanda Maya

16. Digital Painting: Female Fantasy Portraits by Fernanda Maya

Learn how to illustrate soulful female portraits in Photoshop, inspired by fantastical elements

Image by © Fernanda Maya, Via Domestika

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Pop Culture Character Painting in Photoshop by Sam Gilbey

17. Pop Culture Character Painting in Photoshop by Sam Gilbey

Bring your favorite movie character to life by learning how to paint a realistic digital portrait from scratch

Image by © Sam Gilbey, Via Domestika

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Gouache Portrait Painting with Pattern and Textures by Alessandra Genualdo Kingsford

18. Gouache Portrait Painting with Pattern and Textures by Alessandra Genualdo Kingsford

Develop your artistic skills in gouache painting. Learn the fundamentals of using these techniques to find inspiration for creating captivating portraits.

Image by © Alessandra Genualdo Kingsford, Via Domestika

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Digital Portraits in Procreate with Graphical Elements by Bo Feng Lin

19. Digital Portraits in Procreate with Graphical Elements by Bo Feng Lin

Discover the art of painting expressive portraits with a tropical and minimalistic touch. Embrace abstract art as part of your creative process.

Image by © Bo Feng Lin, Via Domestika

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Classical Oil Painting for Naturalist Bird Portraiture by Sarah Margaret Gibson

20. Classical Oil Painting for Naturalist Bird Portraiture by Sarah Margaret Gibson

Learn the fundamentals of drawing and painting to create a realistic oil portrait using the alla prima technique

Image by © Sarah Margaret Gibson, Via Domestika

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Digital Fantasy Portraits with Photoshop by Karmen Loh (Bearbrickjia)

21. Digital Fantasy Portraits with Photoshop by Karmen Loh (Bearbrickjia)

Learn how to create enchanting narratives in your digital portraits

Image by © Karmen Loh (Bearbrickjia), Via Domestika

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Pictorial Portraits Using Digital Techniques by Alex de Marcos García

22. Pictorial Portraits Using Digital Techniques by Alex de Marcos García

Learn how to use Photoshop to create illustrations using pixels as brushstrokes

Image by © Alex de Marcos García, Via Domestika

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Watercolor Portraits Inspired by Nature by ZELVA  Uno

23. Watercolor Portraits Inspired by ZELVA Uno

Paint a portrait with organic elements and learn how to digitize and share it online

Image by © ZELVA Uno, Via Domestika

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Painting Nature Portraits with Mixed Illustration Techniques by Alexandra Finkeldey

24. Painting Nature Portraits with Mixed Illustration Techniques by Alexandra Finkeldey

Improve your drawing skills by capturing the beauty of animals and real places in your nature portraits

Image by © Alexandra Finkeldey, Via Domestika

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Illustrated Portrait in Watercolor by Ana Santos

25. Illustrated Portrait in Watercolor by Ana Santos

Learn to combine traditional techniques and digital retouching with Photoshop

Image by © Ana Santos, Via Domestika

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Stylized Portrait Painting with Gouache by Davi  Calil

26. Stylized Portrait Painting with Gouache by Davi Calil

Learn contemporary painting techniques to create stylized portraits from start to finish

Image by © Davi Calil, Via Domestika

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Expressive Figure Drawing: Explore Lines, Shapes and Colors by Daniel  Torrent Riba

27. Expressive Figure Drawing: Explore Lines, Shapes and Colors by Daniel Torrent Riba

Learn to draw the human figure in an expressive and personal way by combining observation, feeling, and imagination in your creative process

Image by © Daniel Torrent Riba, Via Domestika

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Caricature in Watercolor by Carlos Rodríguez Casado

28. Caricature in Watercolor by Carlos Rodríguez Casado

Learn the techniques for illustrated portraits in watercolor for editorials and press covers

Image by © Carlos Rodríguez Casado, Via Domestika

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Guided Project:  Creative Portrait with Transfer by Domestika

29. Guided Project: Creative Portrait with Transfer by Domestika

Create unique acrylic portraits using image transfer, frisket masking, and painting techniques to explore light and shadow

Image by © Domestika, Via Domestika

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Illustrated Portraits in Art Nouveau Style by Celeste Vargas Hoshi

30. Illustrated Portraits in Art Nouveau Style by Celeste Vargas Hoshi

Create a digital illustration in Photoshop based on a photograph, experimenting with a current and customized version of modernism

Image by © Celeste Vargas Hoshi, Via Domestika

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Realistic Oil Portraiture: Conveying Detail and Expression by Alan  Coulson

31. Realistic Oil Portraiture: Conveying Detail and Expression by Alan Coulson

Discover the vibrancy and versatility of oil paints to create an expressive portrait

Image by © Alan Coulson, Via Domestika

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Watercolor Portrait Sketchbook by Carlos Rodríguez Casado

32. Watercolor Portrait Sketchbook by Carlos Rodríguez Casado

Master the drawing and watercolor techniques needed to create casual portraits anywhere

Image by © Carlos Rodríguez Casado, Via Domestika

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Watercolor Illustration: Nature and Life by Fefa Cox

33. Watercolor Illustration: Nature and Life by Fefa Cox

Combine watercolor portraits with elements of nature and print your art on different objects

Image by © Fefa Cox, Via Domestika

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Sketching Techniques Specialization by Specialization by multiple teachers

34. Sketching Techniques Specialization by Specialization by multiple teachers

Explore the power of sketching alongside top-notch drawing masters.

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Contemporary Hyperrealistic Portraiture by Luiz Escañuela

35. Contemporary Hyperrealistic Portraiture by Luiz Escañuela

Learn to capture the details of the human figure with oil painting techniques and transmit emotions through your artwork

Image by © Luiz Escañuela, Via Domestika

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Digital Painting of Characters in Photoshop by Fernanda Suarez

36. Digital Painting of Characters in Photoshop by Fernanda Suarez

Learn digital painting techniques to create detailed character portraits by exploring brushes, colors, values, and designs

Image by © Fernanda Suarez, Via Domestika

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Embroidered Pet Portraits: The Thread Painting Technique by Michelle Staub ⋆ StitchingSabbatical

37. Embroidered Pet Portraits: The Thread Painting Technique by Michelle Staub ⋆ StitchingSabbatical

Discover how to create realistic portraits that capture the essence and spirit of an animal through creative hand embroidery

Image by © Michelle Staub ⋆ StitchingSabbatical, Via Domestika

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Watercolor Portrait from a Photo by Sol Barrios

38. Watercolor Portrait from a Photo by Sol Barrios

Learn the techniques to create intimate and suggestive portraits using water, color, and paintbrushes

Image by © Sol Barrios, Via Domestika

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Oil Painting: Explore Creative Portraiture by Isabel Garmon

39. Oil Painting: Explore Creative Portraiture by Isabel Garmon

Learn to create pictorial portraits in oil while developing your personal style and creative voice

Image by © Isabel Garmon, Via Domestika

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Principles of Digital Painting for Portraits by Rodrigo Rivas (Ruiveran)

40. Principles of Digital Painting for Portraits by Rodrigo Rivas (Ruiveran)

Learn to master lighting, shadowing, and coloring techniques to bring your illustrations to life

Image by © Rodrigo Rivas (Ruiveran), Via Domestika

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Watercolor Portraits: Capture a Model's Personality by Michele Bajona

41. Watercolor Portraits: Capture a Model’s Personality by Michele Bajona

Discover the world of watercolors by learning to paint striking and realistic portraits with a live model

Image by © Michele Bajona, Via Domestika

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Surreal Illustration with Watercolor and Ink by Marija Tiurina

42. Surreal Illustration with Watercolor and Ink by Marija Tiurina

Explore your inner universe by combining drawing techniques and watercolors to create a playful self-portrait filled with colorful detail

Image by © Marija Tiurina, Via Domestika

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Portrait Illustration with Analog and Digital Techniques by Amy Pearson

43. Portrait Illustration with Analog and Digital Techniques by Amy Pearson

Seamlessly combine graphite, watercolor, and Photoshop to create a stunningly lifelike portrait

Image by © Amy Pearson, Via Domestika

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Creative Portrait Illustration with Procreate by Samuel Rodriguez

44. Creative Portrait Illustration with Procreate by Samuel Rodriguez

Learn how to combine lettering and abstract elements in your digital portraits

Image by © Samuel Rodriguez, Via Domestika

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Manual Illustration Techniques: Hatching and Dripping by Sara Paglia

45. Manual Illustration Techniques: Hatching and Dripping by Sara Paglia

Learn to create an illustration based on a photo using analog techniques like ink hatching and action painting

Image by © Sara Paglia, Via Domestika

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Watercolor Drawings: How to Paint Expressive Eyes by Carlos Rodríguez Casado

46. Watercolor Drawings: How to Paint Expressive Eyes by Carlos Rodríguez Casado

Take your watercolor drawings to the next level with our course. You will learn to paint realistic gazes in your portraits.

Image by © Carlos Rodríguez Casado, Via Domestika

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Stylized Portraits in Watercolor by Caroline Passos

47. Stylized Portraits in Watercolor by Caroline Passos

Learn how to turn a photograph into a stylized and simplified portrait using watercolor

Image by © Caroline Passos, Via Domestika

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The Art of Woodcut Portraits by Luciano Ogura

48. The Art of Woodcut Portraits by Luciano Ogura

Learn to express yourself using wood, ink, and paper to create a series of portraits filled with contrast

Image by © Luciano Ogura, Via Domestika

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