Composing Portraits
Keys to Power and Expression in Portraiture 

5 Online Lessons
 
Instruction: Ilya Gefter
 
Sundays 18.15 - 19.15
19.04.2026 - 17.05.2026
 
Portrait painting is more than a likeness. It is a statement about the person portrayed. It is an expression of the inner worlds of both the sitter and the artist. Last but not least, a portrait is an aesthetic arrangement. Composition is the key to most qualities of any portrait painting: its message, its expressiveness and its beauty. 
 
This series of lessons will offer essential theory and practical tools for anyone interested in the art of portraiture. 
Welcome to join us! 
 
Lesson Themes:
History and philosophy of portrait painting
Portraits as shapes
Use of grids in portrait painting
Motion and expression in portrait painting
Visual hierarchies
Combining simplification and details
 
Online Study Includes:
5 Live Zoom lectures (approximately 60 min each)
Q&A following each session
Unlimited access to all lecture recordings for one year
Drawing and painting assignments
Clear recommendations for independent practice.
 
About the program:
This is Unit 5 of the Comprehensive Composition Course (32 lessons). 
It can be taken independently or as part of the full course. 
 
 
Free Intro Lesson:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NwsaGXuGe3U&t=26s