1d. The Self Portrait in Alla Prima with Phoebe Stewart Carter
21 – 22 November, 9:30am – 4:30pm
£250.00
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The Self Portrait in Alla Prima with Phoebe Stewart Carter
21 – 22 November 2026, 9:30am – 4:30pm
Painting oneself from life is a challenging pursuit which considers everything from drawing ability to sense of self.
Fortunately, we all have a lifetime of sessions to fully understand this particular model. This course is perfect for those interested in self-portraiture and painting ‘Alla-Prima’.
In this course, students will learn how to paint a self-portrait in oils entirely from life observation. Using a mirror, the ‘sight-size’ and comparative technique, Phoebe will guide the students while they paint their own likeness in oils.
The curriculum will focus on painting in ‘Alla-Prima’, meaning ‘in one layer’, or ‘wet on wet’. This course is suitable for beginner to experienced levels. Some basic drawing and painting experience will be required. Beginners will paint with a limited or ‘zorn’ palette, while more experienced painters are welcome to introduce a broader spectrum of colours to their palette. There are some mirrors provided by the Studios, students are welcome to bring their own mirror to work with (size around or bigger than 30x40cm).
Day 1
We will begin with preparatory value studies in graphite or charcoal, followed by a colour study in oils. The value studies will help us determine composition and value, while the colour study will give us a an idea of managing our palette and colour relationships before starting the final painting.
Day 2
We will spend the day painting the final picture entirely from life, using the mirror and our previous studies as helpful references. You will be guided step-by-step through the process of alla prima painting, and receive constructive critiques based around portrait painting.
Topics we will be studying:
Composition: Drawing, Value, Colour mixing, Depth Landscape painting technique, Composition, Layered Painting.
The Artist
Phoebe Stewart Carter received her artistic education at The Florence Academy of Art (FAA) in Italy, and Sarum Studios, Salisbury. She has a strong understanding of 19th century academic and figurative work, and has been awarded prizes for her portraiture by The Royal Society of Portrait Painters, Art Renewal Center, and The Portrait Society of America.
Any enquiries, please email info@londonfineartstudios.com
Please note and read the following re: refund policy. (Please email us for a full T&Cs)
Receipt of payment confirms you have read and agreed to our t&c including our refund policy. Any refund is charged with an admin fee of £80. If 30 days before the start of a course, a full refund is possible, less/minus £80. If 14 days before the start of a course, a 50% refund, less £80. If you cancel 14 days or less before the start of the course or after the start of the course, you will not be entitled to any refund.
Rooted in the Atelier tradition
From Renaissance Italy to our studios in London, we carry forward centuries of hands-on artistic training — where tutors work side by side with students to build real skill and confidence.
Always working from life
We believe drawing and painting from life is the most powerful way to develop as an artist. Every session — from plaster casts to live models — sharpens your eye and deepens your understanding of form, light, and colour.
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