Painting the Portrait
Painting the Portrait
A Two-Day Oil Painting Workshop with Lauren Jones
Held inside Lauren Jones’ working Mapleton studio, this intimate two-day portrait workshop explores expressive oil painting through observation, colour, gesture and painterly mark-making.
Workshop Details
30 and 31 July 2026
9:30am–4:30pm daily
Pear Tree Gallery, Mapleton
Limited to 10 participants
All materials + banquet lunch included
Working from a professional live sitter, this intimate workshop offers insight into Lauren's expressive approach to portraiture, where observation, colour, gesture and brushwork come together to create portraits filled with character and presence.
Rather than striving for photographic realism, participants will learn how to simplify what they see and respond intuitively through paint. The focus is on capturing the essence of a subject through confident mark-making, thoughtful colour relationships and a strong understanding of tone and form.
Across the weekend, Lauren will share her approach to:
• Tonal structure and composition
• Drawing and observation for portrait painting
• Mixing luminous and expressive skin tones
• Brushwork, gesture and painterly edges
• Creating atmosphere and presence
• Working alla prima in oils
• Developing a portrait from first study to finished painting
Through demonstrations, practical exercises and individual guidance, participants will complete a series of studies before developing a resolved portrait painting over the two days.
Suitable for beginners through to experienced painters, this workshop is designed to build confidence, strengthen observation skills and encourage a more intuitive approach to oil painting. With only ten places available, the experience is intentionally personal, relaxed and highly immersive.
The workshop includes all premium artist materials, a professional live model, morning refreshments and a grazing platter on the first day and a shared banquet lunch at Mapleton Public House on the last day.
More than simply lunch, the banquet forms part of the experience itself. Guests will gather around the table to enjoy a seasonal feast celebrating local produce, thoughtful cooking and the slower rhythm of Hinterland life, a fitting accompaniment to workshop spent painting, observing and creating.
Held only once or twice each year.
Included
• Two full days of portrait painting tuition
• Professional live portrait sitter
• All premium artist materials
• Canvas and preparatory studies
• Demonstrations and personalised feedback
• Morning refreshments on both days
• Shared banquet lunch at Mapleton Public House
• Small group experience (maximum 10 participants)
Cancellation policy:
Cancellations made 14 days or more before the workshop start date will receive a full refund or the option to transfer to a future workshop.
Cancellations made 7–13 days before the workshop will receive a 50% refund.
Cancellations made less than 7 days before the workshop are non-refundable, but you may transfer your spot to another person if you notify me in advance.
Cancellations by the Organizer:
In the unlikely event that I need to cancel or reschedule the workshop, you will receive a full refund or the option to transfer your booking to a future date.
By booking a workshop, you agree to these terms. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out.