In this beginner-friendly online video course, I’ll guide you through my unique, modern approach to oil painting from start to finish. By simplifying the process and focusing less on detail, I’ll show you how to paint more quickly and freely, creating loose, expressive oil portraits you’ll be proud of.
17 Video Lessons • 4+ Hours • Lifetime Access
A quick introduction to the course — what you’ll learn, how the 9-step method works, and how you can start painting straight away, even as a beginner.
Portraits painted by students using the 9-step method.
Oil painting doesn’t need to be complicated.
I’ve simplified my professional process into a clear, beginner-friendly method you can use again and again to build expressive portraits without rigid rules or heavy theory.
Inside the course, we paint together in real time, one stage at a time.
This course will show you a fresh, non-traditional approach to oil portraiture — one that strips away the traditional complications and makes oils easier, more expressive, and more enjoyable.
Whether you’re picking up oils for the first time or you’re an experienced artist seeking new inspiration, this course is designed to ignite your creativity. With step‑by‑step video lessons, you’ll learn at your own pace and discover how to paint modern expressive loose portraits in oils using my simple nine‑stage method.
We’ll start with the basics — the materials I use, how to choose the right reference image, and how to prepare your canvas. You’ll also learn about composition, colour choices, and values through practical exercises. Then I’ll demonstrate how to transfer your reference onto canvas using the grid method.
From there, we’ll dive into a full real‑time portrait — narrated in detail as I paint — broken into nine clear stages from start to finish. These stages form a repeatable formula that you can use again and again for future portraits.
You’ll also receive a FREE printable Cheat Sheet — a quick‑reference guide to keep beside you while painting.
By the end of this course, you’ll not only understand my modern approach to oil portraiture, but you’ll also gain the confidence and freedom to create your own expressive style. Most importantly, you’ll enjoy the journey of painting in oils like never before.
17 video lessons, 4+ hours in total. These are the main stages you paint through.
Matt Murphy (b. Brighton, UK, 1977) is a professional artist specialising in watercolours, oils and acrylics. He is best known for his unique abstract portraits, created through a modern, non‑traditional approach.
With decades of experience, Matt has exhibited in London and across the UK, and his work has been featured in art magazines and podcasts. He has been a judge for Sussex Portrait Artist of the Year and has completed commissions for clients around the world.
Driven by a lifelong passion for painting, Matt is dedicated to sharing his knowledge and methods so that others can discover the joy of creating art for themselves.
When you join the course, you’ll also get access to a private student community where you can share your work, ask questions, and stay motivated.
View the course videos on any device. Follow along and watch your portrait come to life. You'll be amazed at what you can achieve in a day.
When you join the course, you’ll also receive a one-page PDF Cheat Sheet that walks you through the full 9-Step Method — perfect to keep beside you while painting any portrait.
14-day full money-back guarantee, no questions asked.
Use the same email address you bought the course with.
Click the link in the activation email we send you.
Sign in with your email and password, and your lessons are ready.
Course information:
Course summary:
Section 1 - Foundations & Preparation
- Welcome and course introduction
- Overview of recommended oil painting materials
- Selecting your reference photo and understanding values (with a guided exercise)
- Planning and composing your portrait
- Choosing a colour palette and mixing paints
- The grid method for proportion accuracy
- Adding guide lines to map key features
- Preparing and pre-mixing your paints
Section 2 - Step-by-Step Painting Process
- Nine in-depth, fully narrated lessons taking you through each stage of the oil painting.
- See the portrait develop from start to finish.
- Learn the specific brushwork, blending, and colour mixing techniques used in real time
Materials you will need:
Frequently asked questions
Where do I watch the course videos?
After purchase, you’ll receive an email with a link to create your course account (using the same email you purchased with). Once you log in, you’ll have instant access to all the video lessons inside your personal course dashboard. You can watch them anytime, at your own pace, from any device.
I’m a beginner, will this be suitable for me?
Yes, this easy oil portrait painting course is designed to go through everything a beginner needs to know to get started. I'm confident this online workshop will work for you.
Is the course refundable?
Yes, I offer a 14-day no-quibble money-back guarantee. For refunds, contact: support@mattmurphyart.co.uk
Can I do the course at my own pace?
Yes, absolutely take as much time as you want in the comfort of your own home in your own free time.
What language is the course in, and are there subtitles in other languages?
The audio is in English. At this stage, there are no other language subtitles.
Will the content work on all devices?
Yes the videos will play on all smartphones,tablets and computers.
Can I download the videos?
The videos are available to stream only.
Can I repeat this process on other reference photos?
Yes, I’ve designed the course so you can follow the nine stages on pretty much any reference photo.
How long will I have access to the course?
You can enjoy Unlimited lifetime access.
Will the materials needed cost much money to buy?
Not much. I paint with a few inexpensive brushes, a limited set of colours, a simple palette and an affordable canvas, so you don’t need a studio or expensive equipment. The full list is in your downloadable pack.
Are the materials easy to get hold of?
Yes, all art stores will provide everything you need.
How do I receive the download pack with course material?
This is available as a download link within your account.
