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Watch the course trailer.
See exactly how you'll learn to paint expressive portraits - step by step.
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What you'll learn:
You’ll Learn To:
✓ Follow a modern, repeatable 9‑step method
✓ Complete a full portrait in one sitting
✓ Master modern blocking and blending techniques
✓ Use simple tools that actually work
✓ Paint directly without underpainting (loose expressive guidelines)
✓ Understand values and composition
✓ Pre‑mix colours in an intuitive, forgiving way
✓ Work without needing a large studio space
Included Free:
✓ Cheat sheet with my 9‑stage process (easy one‑page reference you can use anytime)
✓ Full support directly from Matt
✓ Lifetime access to course videos
Why This Course Is Different.
-
This Modern Style Course
✓ Complete expressive portraits in one sitting
✓ Loose, modern, and intuitive style
✓ Simple 9‑step process anyone can follow
✓ Beginner‑friendly approach — no prior training needed
✓ Uses affordable, streamlined tools. -
Traditional Oil Painting
✗ Takes weeks for layers to dry
✗ Academic, rigid styles
✗ Requires technical training
✗ Messy and complicated process
✗ Relies on expensive tools and materials.
Course information:
- 18 video lessons (3hrs)
- Videos available to stream on all devices.
- Downloadable pack (inc materials list, reference photo, grid method guide & cheat sheet guide with 9 steps to use on any reference you choose).
- Online and at your own pace.
- Audio: English (subtitles not currently available)
- Level: Beginner to advanced
- Unlimited access.
- Direct support from Matt
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:
- Canvas or board to paint on.
- Easel
- Flat brushes 1inch, .5inch & .25inch
- Blending brushes
- Oil paints (my colour palette available in course material)
- White/clean spirit
- Linseed drying oil or Liquin
- Pallet (plastic or paper)
- Masking tape
- Kitchen roll
- Rags
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?
There will be a small outlay for the materials but not too much. If you are a beginer you can start with cheaper oils paints and canvases.
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?
You will be sent this as a separate email with pack attached.
Some paintings from students following the course.
Course overview.
This course will show you a fresh, modern 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 expressive, semi‑abstract 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.
The Artist
Matt Murphy (b. Brighton, UK, 1977) is a professional artist specialising in both watercolours and oils. 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 also 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.
To see his latest work and behind‑the‑scenes process, you can follow him on Instagram.
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