How it Works

Hi, and welcome!

Thank you so much for joining the class. Here's a little about how everything works, so you know what to expect and can settle in comfortably.

How it works

  • Dominique usually opens the first class of the month with a demo, discussion and Q&A.

  • Her demo shows you how to analyze your subject, compose your painting, and work with a reliable process.

  • Painting alongside that process, using the reference provided, helps the techniques and concepts become second nature.

  • Each week builds on the last, moving from demo through practice and critique.

  • Every demo and critique is recorded, so you can watch, pause, rewind and paint along at your own pace.

How to get the most out of the class

If you're just starting out, watch the demo through first, take notes, and absorb as much as you can, Dominique models the whole process and answers most of the questions you're likely to have along the way. Then play it again, this time painting along, pausing and playing as needed. If you're more experienced, feel free to paint with Dominique from the start.

  • Print the reference at the same size as your canvas or panel if you can.

  • Or, if you prefer, work from an iPad or monitor.

  • Your recordings stay with you for two years from your enrollment date.

Critiques

In a live class, you can hear the teacher moving around the room, giving each student individual attention. My goal online is to recreate that experience through group critiques. In every session you'll see and hear me responding to students' work, and I'd really encourage you to watch these, there's as much to learn from someone else's critique as your own.

Ready for personalized feedback? Once you've finished the month's lessons, you can book an online critique here.



2026-09 | Portrait & Figure Painting with a Limited Palette

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Start Here

  • Watch | How to Use the Online Classroom
  • Watch | Uploading from an iPad for Critiques
  • How it Works
  • Need Help?

Class Resources

  • Class Description
  • Zoom Links | Dates and Times
  • Class Materials List
  • Studio Recommendations | Books, Studio Lighting, Audio and Video Gear

Photo References

  • Photo Reference | Week 1&2
  • Photo Reference | Week 3&4
  • Value Scale, Color Wheel and Loomis Proportion Reference
  • Andrew Loomis - Drawing the Head and Hands.pdf
  • DM Painting Process Slide Show

Week 1

  • Week 1 Assignment, Demo Painting and Palette
  • Upload Your Painting for Week 1 Critiques

Week 2

  • Week 2 Assignment, Demo Painting and Palette
  • Upload Your Painting for Week 2 Critiques

Week 3

  • Week 3 Assignment, Demo Painting and Palette
  • Upload Your Painting for Week 3 Critiques

Week 4

  • Week 4 Assignment, Demo Painting and Palette
  • Upload Your Painting for Week 4 Critiques

What's Next

  • The Next Step