Portrait Painting with Danny Ferland (April 2026)
Portrait Painting with Danny Ferland
What can I expect?
Danny will give a live painting demonstration on the first half day of the workshop, giving students direct access to his unique painting approach and the opportunity to watch every step of his process. Starting with an initial block-in of the head using vine charcoal, the drawing will then be sealed off with a burnt umber underpainting before progressing to the use of a full-colour palette.
Students will then practice this approach themselves over the remainder of the course, completing their own portrait painting from life. Each student will receive a high level of individual attention and one-on-one critique from Danny, who will instruct his students on drawing, colour mixing, and paint application in order to achieve a convincing likeness to the model.
Who is the tutor?
Danny Ferland, born in 1975, is a painter whose artistic journey is driven by a lifelong pursuit of mastery and expressive depth. The son of a painter, he was introduced to drawing at an early age and developed an intimate relationship with image-making and gesture. Largely self-taught for many years, he patiently forged a personal visual language through observation, experimentation, and disciplined practice.
Seeking a deeper understanding of classical painting, he travelled to Europe, where he immersed himself in the study of the old masters within the world’s most renowned museums. This formative experience became a turning point, leading him to search for the most authentic paths toward technical and expressive mastery. His journey later brought him to New York City, where he studied at the Janus Collaborative School of Art. This period marked a decisive shift in his artistic life. The encounters, mentorship, and collaborative environment profoundly influenced his work, pushing it toward greater maturity and clarity. The techniques, inspiration, and rigour shared by his peers and instructors became catalysts for his artistic evolution.
Today, his painting remains deeply sensitive and refined, with the human figure and portraiture at the core of his expression. These figures are often set within a subtle imaginative realm, inspired by childhood tales and dreamlike landscapes that support the quiet, suspended presence of his subjects. His work is distinguished by delicacy of touch and psychological depth, reflecting years of cultivated craftsmanship. For over a decade, Danny Ferland has been teaching master classes around the world. These travels, and the many exchanges with artists from diverse cultural backgrounds continually enrich his practice. The cultural richness of the places he visits breathes new life into his work, allowing inspiration to surface like a passing current, brief yet enduring.
To see more from Danny, visit his website.Painting surface: Danny says: Students can bring whichever surface they prefer. I like Claessens Linen portrait grade 13. I also like dibond panels and even primed Canvas mounted on wooden panels. I recommend a thin wash of Ivory black (very thin and wiped out). A very light grey would be the proper result. Size-wise, 16 x 20 inches would be good. Smaller sizes are fine too if students prefer.
Paint brushes:
Bring a variety of brushes that you're comfortable using. Here are some of our recommendations:
- 2 x Size 2, Size 4 and Size 6 Filbert Hog Brush
- 1 x Size 2, Size 4 and Size 6 Long Flat Hog Brush
- 2 x Size 0 Synthetic Filberts
- If you need a starter brush set, there's this one from Rosemary & Co
Oil Paints:
The colours listed below are Danny's standard palette. However, these are an indication only and not a precise requirement for the workshop. Feel free to bring others. If you have any questions about this, do ask!
- Titanium White OR Lead White
- Lemon Yellow
- Cadmium Orange
- Cadmium Red
- Raw Sienna
- Burnt Sienna
- Viridian Green
- Alizarin Crimson
- Ultramarine Blue
- Burnt Umber
- Ivory Black
Mediums/ other:
- Mediums
- Stand Oil
- Linseed Oil
- Low-odour solvent (eg Sansodor). Note that turpentine is not permitted in the studio.
- A wooden palette or something non-porous to mix your paint on. (Palette or here, depending on your budget)
- Some kitchen towels to wipe your paint brushes with.
- 2 x Dipper
- Palette Knife
- 2 x jam jars for keeping brushes in
- 1 x small plastic container with lid, to store paints in overnight
- Mahl or support stick ( Optional)
- Kitchen roll
How many students will there be?
There is a maximum of 12 participants, and the tutor will customise the course according to your individual needs.
Studio Access & Parking
The studio and car park open at 9:30 am each day. We kindly ask that you do not arrive before this time, as staff will be preparing the space.
We close at 5:30 pm, so please ensure you are packed up and ready to leave by then. Thank you for helping us keep everything running smoothly!
If you have any questions, please see our frequently asked questions or contact us.
