Expressive Portrait Painting: Smearing, Blending & Bold Brushwork
Create a moody portrait using loose strokes, layered color, and intentional smudging.
Painting · Intermediate · Free · 1 min · 1 lesson
A class by Maya Laurent
About this class
Learn how to create an expressive portrait by combining strong color blocking with loose, sweeping brushwork.
In this class, Maya demonstrates how a portrait can be transformed by dragging, blending, and softening painted areas across the canvas. You’ll see how broad strokes can simplify details, create movement, and give the finished piece a more emotional and contemporary feel.
The goal is to stop treating every painted mark as permanent and become more comfortable manipulating the surface as the artwork develops.
Lessons
- Expressive Portrait Painting: Smearing, Blending & Bold Brushwork