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!
portrait painting courses, oil portrait techniques, watercolor portrait tutorials, gouache art ideas, digital portrait painting, realistic oil portraits, expressive figure drawing, hyperrealistic portraiture, woodcut portrait techniques, embroidery thread painting, surreal illustration tips, contemporary portraiture styles, pet portrait painting, Procreate portrait design, Photoshop fantasy portraits, mixed media artistry, monochromatic oil painting, caricature watercolor guides, nature-inspired portraits, fan art drawing inspiration

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 materialsImage by © Gustavo Velasco, Via Domestika
WATCH TRAILER Copy Coupon Code | Gustavo Velasco
2. Painting Eyes with Oil for Vibrant Portraits by Alai Ganuza
Learn to make expressive brushstrokes with colorful oil paint to bring portraits to lifeImage by © Alai Ganuza, Via Domestika
WATCH TRAILER Copy Coupon Code | Alai Ganuza
3. Playful Illustration with Watercolor & Colored Pencils by Daria Solak
Explore patterns, textures, colors, and composition to create meaningful portraits filled with personalityImage by © Daria Solak, Via Domestika
WATCH TRAILER Copy Coupon Code | Daria Solak
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 inkImage by © zou wei, Via Domestika
WATCH TRAILER Copy Coupon Code | zou wei
5. Digital Painting with a Traditional Touch by Citlali Haro
Learn to represent everyday scenes with Photoshop and create your own visual languageImage by © Citlali Haro, Via Domestika
WATCH TRAILER Copy Coupon Code | Citlali Haro
6. Artistic Portrait with Watercolors by Ale Casanova
Learn a foolproof technique for creating watercolor portraits, from the sketch to the finished pieceImage by © Ale Casanova, Via Domestika
WATCH TRAILER Copy Coupon Code | Ale Casanova
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 paintingImage by © Anetta Lukjanova, Via Domestika
WATCH TRAILER Copy Coupon Code | Anetta Lukjanova
8. Illustration Techniques with Digital Watercolor by Ricard López Iglesias
Learn to create customized portraits with Adobe PhotoshopImage by © Ricard López Iglesias, Via Domestika
WATCH TRAILER Copy Coupon Code | Ricard López Iglesias
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 materialsImage by © Specialization by multiple teachers, Via Domestika
WATCH TRAILER Copy Coupon Code | Specialization by multiple teachers
10. Contemporary Portraiture in Watercolor by Nuno Pinto
Learn watercolor and drawing techniques to paint an expressive portrait from a photographImage by © Nuno Pinto, Via Domestika
WATCH TRAILER Copy Coupon Code | Nuno Pinto
11. Expressive Watercolor Portraits by Arthur Braud
Explore color, composition, and technique to create captivating portraits with a powerful messageImage by © Arthur Braud, Via Domestika
WATCH TRAILER Copy Coupon Code | Arthur Braud
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 storyImage by © Jane French, Via Domestika
WATCH TRAILER Copy Coupon Code | Jane French
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 artworkImage by © Ana Ilustra, Via Domestika
WATCH TRAILER Copy Coupon Code | Ana Ilustra
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 techniqueImage by © Marcelo Rochá @artrocha, Via Domestika
WATCH TRAILER Copy Coupon Code | Marcelo Rochá @artrocha
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
WATCH TRAILER Copy Coupon Code | Alejandra Caballero
16. Digital Painting: Female Fantasy Portraits by Fernanda Maya
Learn how to illustrate soulful female portraits in Photoshop, inspired by fantastical elementsImage by © Fernanda Maya, Via Domestika
WATCH TRAILER Copy Coupon Code | Fernanda Maya
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 scratchImage by © Sam Gilbey, Via Domestika
WATCH TRAILER Copy Coupon Code | Sam Gilbey
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
WATCH TRAILER Copy Coupon Code | Alessandra Genualdo Kingsford
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
WATCH TRAILER Copy Coupon Code | Bo Feng Lin
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 techniqueImage by © Sarah Margaret Gibson, Via Domestika
WATCH TRAILER Copy Coupon Code | Sarah Margaret Gibson
21. Digital Fantasy Portraits with Photoshop by Karmen Loh (Bearbrickjia)
Learn how to create enchanting narratives in your digital portraitsImage by © Karmen Loh (Bearbrickjia), Via Domestika
WATCH TRAILER Copy Coupon Code | Karmen Loh (Bearbrickjia)
22. Pictorial Portraits Using Digital Techniques by Alex de Marcos García
Learn how to use Photoshop to create illustrations using pixels as brushstrokesImage by © Alex de Marcos García, Via Domestika
WATCH TRAILER Copy Coupon Code | Alex de Marcos García
23. Watercolor Portraits Inspired by ZELVA Uno
Paint a portrait with organic elements and learn how to digitize and share it onlineImage by © ZELVA Uno, Via Domestika
WATCH TRAILER Copy Coupon Code | ZELVA Uno
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 portraitsImage by © Alexandra Finkeldey, Via Domestika
WATCH TRAILER Copy Coupon Code | Alexandra Finkeldey
25. Illustrated Portrait in Watercolor by Ana Santos
Learn to combine traditional techniques and digital retouching with PhotoshopImage by © Ana Santos, Via Domestika
WATCH TRAILER Copy Coupon Code | Ana Santos
26. Stylized Portrait Painting with Gouache by Davi Calil
Learn contemporary painting techniques to create stylized portraits from start to finishImage by © Davi Calil, Via Domestika
WATCH TRAILER Copy Coupon Code | Davi Calil
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 processImage by © Daniel Torrent Riba, Via Domestika
WATCH TRAILER Copy Coupon Code | Daniel Torrent Riba
28. Caricature in Watercolor by Carlos Rodríguez Casado
Learn the techniques for illustrated portraits in watercolor for editorials and press coversImage by © Carlos Rodríguez Casado, Via Domestika
WATCH TRAILER Copy Coupon Code | Carlos Rodríguez Casado
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 shadowImage by © Domestika, Via Domestika
WATCH TRAILER Copy Coupon Code | Domestika
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 modernismImage by © Celeste Vargas Hoshi, Via Domestika
WATCH TRAILER Copy Coupon Code | Celeste Vargas Hoshi
31. Realistic Oil Portraiture: Conveying Detail and Expression by Alan Coulson
Discover the vibrancy and versatility of oil paints to create an expressive portraitImage by © Alan Coulson, Via Domestika
WATCH TRAILER Copy Coupon Code | Alan Coulson
32. Watercolor Portrait Sketchbook by Carlos Rodríguez Casado
Master the drawing and watercolor techniques needed to create casual portraits anywhereImage by © Carlos Rodríguez Casado, Via Domestika
WATCH TRAILER Copy Coupon Code | Carlos Rodríguez Casado
33. Watercolor Illustration: Nature and Life by Fefa Cox
Combine watercolor portraits with elements of nature and print your art on different objectsImage by © Fefa Cox, Via Domestika
WATCH TRAILER Copy Coupon Code | Fefa Cox
34. Sketching Techniques Specialization by Specialization by multiple teachers
Explore the power of sketching alongside top-notch drawing masters.Image by © Specialization by multiple teachers, Via Domestika
WATCH TRAILER Copy Coupon Code | Specialization by multiple teachers
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 artworkImage by © Luiz Escañuela, Via Domestika
WATCH TRAILER Copy Coupon Code | Luiz Escañuela
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 designsImage by © Fernanda Suarez, Via Domestika
WATCH TRAILER Copy Coupon Code | Fernanda Suarez
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 embroideryImage by © Michelle Staub ⋆ StitchingSabbatical, Via Domestika
WATCH TRAILER Copy Coupon Code | Michelle Staub ⋆ StitchingSabbatical
38. Watercolor Portrait from a Photo by Sol Barrios
Learn the techniques to create intimate and suggestive portraits using water, color, and paintbrushesImage by © Sol Barrios, Via Domestika
WATCH TRAILER Copy Coupon Code | Sol Barrios
39. Oil Painting: Explore Creative Portraiture by Isabel Garmon
Learn to create pictorial portraits in oil while developing your personal style and creative voiceImage by © Isabel Garmon, Via Domestika
WATCH TRAILER Copy Coupon Code | Isabel Garmon
40. Principles of Digital Painting for Portraits by Rodrigo Rivas (Ruiveran)
Learn to master lighting, shadowing, and coloring techniques to bring your illustrations to lifeImage by © Rodrigo Rivas (Ruiveran), Via Domestika
WATCH TRAILER Copy Coupon Code | Rodrigo Rivas (Ruiveran)
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 modelImage by © Michele Bajona, Via Domestika
WATCH TRAILER Copy Coupon Code | Michele Bajona
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 detailImage by © Marija Tiurina, Via Domestika
WATCH TRAILER Copy Coupon Code | Marija Tiurina
43. Portrait Illustration with Analog and Digital Techniques by Amy Pearson
Seamlessly combine graphite, watercolor, and Photoshop to create a stunningly lifelike portraitImage by © Amy Pearson, Via Domestika
WATCH TRAILER Copy Coupon Code | Amy Pearson
44. Creative Portrait Illustration with Procreate by Samuel Rodriguez
Learn how to combine lettering and abstract elements in your digital portraitsImage by © Samuel Rodriguez, Via Domestika
WATCH TRAILER Copy Coupon Code | Samuel Rodriguez
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 paintingImage by © Sara Paglia, Via Domestika
WATCH TRAILER Copy Coupon Code | Sara Paglia
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
WATCH TRAILER Copy Coupon Code | Carlos Rodríguez Casado
47. Stylized Portraits in Watercolor by Caroline Passos
Learn how to turn a photograph into a stylized and simplified portrait using watercolorImage by © Caroline Passos, Via Domestika
WATCH TRAILER Copy Coupon Code | Caroline Passos
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 contrastImage by © Luciano Ogura, Via Domestika
WATCH TRAILER Copy Coupon Code | Luciano Ogura