Go from reference to finished stylized portrait
Turning a photo reference into a stylized portrait is not about copying the face and adding bigger eyes or sharper shapes. It is about making clear artistic decisions.
In How to Paint Stylized Portraits, you’ll learn a repeatable workflow for transforming reference photos into polished stylized portraits with strong values, expressive color, and a bold graphic finish.
THIS COURSE IS DIVIDED INTO 3 SECTIONS
Art Style
What it is, how it works, and how simplification and exaggeration shape the final look of a portrait.
Values
You’ll learn how to choose references that make your job easier, how to understand the anatomy of light on the face, and how to identify key light, halftone, core shadow, bounce light, and other important value groups. Then we’ll put it into practice by creating a full-value portrait from a reference.
Color
I’ll teach you my simple color workflow for stylized portraits, plus a more advanced workflow for complex lighting situations. Then we’ll create a full color portrait from start to finish, using playful graphic elements to make your portrait stand out
WHO IS THIS COURSE FOR?
This course is for artists who want to paint stylized portraits with stronger values, cleaner color, and a more graphic finish.
It is especially useful if you:
- Want to turn photo references into stylized portrait paintings
- Struggle to simplify or exaggerate faces without making them look wrong
- Want a clearer understanding of art style
- Struggle to understand light and shadow on the face
- Want a repeatable and reliable workflow
- Like graphic, animation-inspired painting styles
Course curriculum
ArtStyle
Welcome and Overview
Get an overview of the course, what you'll learn, and how each lesson will help you develop your art style.
What is Artstyle?
Explore what art style means, why it matters, and how artists naturally develop a unique visual approach over time.
Head Drawing Basics
Learn a simple method for constructing heads from different angles using basic planes, forms, and 3D references.
My Stylisation Method
See how to simplify and stylize portraits while keeping a strong likeness, creating artwork that feels personal and unique.
Values
The Importance of Values
Discover why values are essential for creating depth, readability, and convincing forms in your artwork.
The Anatomy of the Light
Learn how light behaves, how shadows are formed, and the key principles behind understanding values.
My Value Workflow
Follow along the complete value-painting process and see how he builds a portrait from start to finish.
Choosing the Right References
Learn how to select strong references with clear lighting that make painting and learning much easier.
Local Values
Understand how to establish the base values of your subject and create a strong foundation for your painting.
Light and Shadow
Learn how to build form by adding lights and shadows on top of your local values.
Deep Shadows and Halftones
Add depth, contrast, and texture using deep shadows, halftones, and strategic value transitions.
Specular and Refining
Learn how to add highlights, polish details, and refine your painting for a more finished result.
Wrap Up & Assignment
Review the key concepts from this module and complete an assignment to strengthen your understanding of values.
Colors
My Color Workflow
Discover the color process and learn how he uses layers and blending modes to build vibrant portraits.
Advanced Color Workflow
Take your coloring further with a more advanced workflow designed for greater control and flexibility.
Local Colors
Learn how to establish clean, believable base colors that serve as the foundation of your portrait.
Shadows
Add depth and dimension by painting shadows that support the lighting and strengthen the form.
Highlights
Learn how to use highlights to bring your portrait to life and create a stronger sense of light.
Refining
Polish your artwork by correcting mistakes, enhancing details, and adding effects that elevate the final image.
Wrap Up & Assignment
Review the complete coloring process and apply what you've learned through a practical assignment.
F.A.Q
Is this a drawing course or a painting course?
This is mainly a painting course. There is a short head-structure introduction, but the main focus is stylization, values, lighting, color, and finishing.
Is this only for digital artists?
The demonstrations are likely best suited for digital artists, but the concepts of style, values, light, and color apply to traditional artists too.
What software do I need?
You can use any digital painting software to follow along with the demos. Procreate, Photoshop, Krita, Clip Studio Paint, or similar software.
In the course, I'll be demonstrating with Clip Studio Paint.
What is the difference between this and How to Draw Faces Like a Pro?
Another of my courses, How to Draw Faces Like a Pro, teaches the full foundation of drawing faces. This course focuses specifically on stylized painting, values, color, and final rendering.
What is the difference between this and Storytelling Portraits?
Storytelling Portraits, another of my courses, is about designing original character faces for a story. How to Paint Stylized Portraits is about turning references into finished stylized portrait paintings.
How does the 30 Day Guarantee work?
If for some reason you are not happy with your purchase, simply contact me within 30 days and I'll process your refund.
We reserve the right to deny refunds with suspicious activity.