Oil painting masterclass with Ben Smith

Oil painting masterclass with Ben Smith

Sat 27 & Sun 28 June | 10 am – 4 pm | $360

Join award-winning artist Ben Smith for a two-day oil painting masterclass focused on developing portrait painting skills. Over the weekend, participants will complete a small portrait while learning practical techniques for building convincing light, form and colour.

Suitable for those with some prior painting experience.    

Topics covered include how to:

• Accurately perceive and paint tone and colour

• Create a strong sense of light and form

• Mix an effective skin tone palette

• Use expressive brushwork in combination with glazing

• Render hair, drapery and key anatomical forms

Ben is a multiple Archibald Prize Finalist and has taught these methods at institutions including the Julian Ashton Art School for over two decades. Many of his students have gone on to become finalists in the Archibald, Portia Geach, and Doug Moran Portrait Prizes.

In association with 2026 LAVA Arts Festival presented by Creative Caldera

Bookings essential.

Image credit: Ben Smith, Doubt begins at Breakfast (double self portrait) 2010, oil on board. © The artist.