Self Portraiture from Life with Phoebe Stewart Carter (February 2027)

In this course, students will learn how to paint a self-portrait in oils entirely from life observation. Using a mirror and the ‘sight-size’ technique , Phoebe Stewart Carter will guide the students while they paint their own likeness in oils to the scale of life.

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. 

What will I learn?

• Drawing using ‘sight-size’ and comparative measuring techniques.
• Composing a self-portrait in the mirror.
• Colour mixing in a limited ‘Zorn’ palette.
• Underpainting and painting in layers.
• Brushwork.

About the Tutor

Phoebe Stewart Carter is from Gloucestershire, England, and grew up between the UK and Maryland, USA. Having 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. After having graduated from the drawing and painting course at the (FAA) in 2021, Phoebe was awarded a position as an artist in residence and instructor. Phoebe now lives in Gloucestershire, where she currently takes commissions and works on personal projects encompassing topics such as travel and industrial landscapes, as well as traditional portraiture. Phoebe exhibits internationally, and has been awarded prizes for her portraiture by The Royal Society of Portrait Painters, Art Renewal Center, and The Portrait Society of America.

Course Plan

Day 1: Introduction to the course and history of self-portraiture, followed by a demonstration on sight size and using the mirror. Individual tutorship on drawing in charcoal throughout the day, continuing into beginning the underpainting in raw umber.

Day 2: Demonstration explaining how to move forwards from an underpainting. Individual tutorship throughout the day on applying first layers of colour and developing broad values.

Day 3: Demonstration on developing the final values and finishing the work. Individual tutorship throughout the day. Final review of the demonstration

Materials list: You can get the full list and links of all materials needed HERE

Canvas - Oil-primed canvas, 40x50cm

• Pre-stretched linen: Like this
• Board Mounted: Like This 

Equipment 

Palette -  Wood or Grey (no white palettes):

• Budget: www.jacksonsart.com/jas-wooden-palette-rectangular-12-x-16-inches
• Top End: www.jacksonsart.com/zecchi-hand-crafted-balanced-wooden-palette-left-handed
• Palette Knife – Like this
• Medium Cups – Like this
• Handheld Mirror – Like this
• Paper Towel or paint rag
• Linseed Oil
• Odourless Mineral spirit (No Solvents allowed in the Studios) Like this 
• Vine Charcoal

Brushes: I recommend an assortment of hog hair filberts with long handles - A pair of each size. x2 Large, x4 Medium sizes, x2 Small.

• Jackson's Black Hog Brushes: sizes 10,8,6,3: www.jacksonsart.com
• Rosemary Brushes Series 47 Hog Filbert: sizes 10,8,6,2: www.rosemaryandco.com

Oil Paints: Brands I use - Michael Harding, Williamsburg, Old Holland, Gamblin, Schminke.

Required Colours

• Titanium White OR Lead White
• Yellow Ochre 
• Cadmium Red or Pyrrole Red (non-toxic)
• English Red OR Venetian Red
• Ivory Black
• Raw Umber or Burnt Umber

Optional Colours for Intermediate/Advanced Students:

• Naples Yellow
• Cadmium Yellow
• Cobalt Blue
• Ultramarine Blue
• Transparent Red Oxide

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 will 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.