Learning from masters. Alla prima portrait in oil.

In this workshop we will learn traditional oil portraiture by copying a painting by one of the old masters, working alla prima. This workshop covers:
- proportions in portraits
- likeness
- colour mixing
-paint handling
You will leave the workshop with a finished portrait painting.

Paulina Kwietniewska is a Polish-born figurative artist based between London and Łódź. Her practice is rooted in classical oil techniques, focusing on portraiture and the quiet beauty of ordinary moments. Largely self-taught, she draws inspiration from literature and personal memory to create atmospheric, storytelling works.
An experienced muralist and tutor, Paulina was a semi-finalist in the 2025 Sky Portrait Artist of the Year competition, winning her heat with a portrait of acclaimed writer Elif Shafak.

We provide reference photos, oil painting paper and solvents.
You can either book the class with all materials provided (choose £75 ticket) or bring your own materials (choose the £65 option)
If bringing your own, please please make sure you have the following:
oil paints: titanium white, yellow ochre, cadmium red and ivory black
A selection of oil painting brushes in different sizes

You will also be able to buy all required materials in store on the day of the event with a 10% discount

20/06/2026 Cass Art Kensington, London
10AM -2 PM
220 Kensington High St, London, W8 7RG, United Kingdom

Please note, these workshops take place on the lower ground floor and there is no step-free access.