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Portrait Drawing for Adult

Artist | Art Instructor | Founder | Snowstorm Art Studio

Catherine Snowstorm

Levels

Foundations & Proportions

Beginner

No special skills required

Level One

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No special skills required

Unlock the secrets of form, volume, and classical human head anatomy.

DURATION

180 min (3 hours) each core session
Including 1 hour "The Painter’s Lounge"
12 Sessions | 6 weeks

"The Painter’s Lounge" (Optional)

+ 30 min PRE-Session 

+ 30 min POST-Session

Schedule

Twice a week:
Mondays  | 10:30 am – 1:30 pm (CST)
Wednesdays | 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm (CST)

Interactive Live

Online | Microsoft Teams | Instructor Led

Group Size

Small groups: max 15 students

Certificate of Completion

Registered and numbered.

Language

English

You Will Learn

Classical Foundations, Taught with Care

✓ Classical Portrait Foundations  

Drawing through structure, not guesswork. Move from “everyday” looking to noticing real shapes, lines, and proportions. You may be surprised how quickly your eyes begin to change as you master the essential first step toward confident drawing.


✓ Anatomy & Proportions

The architecture of the face. Learn the essential structure of the skull, muscles, and key landmarks rooted in traditional artistic knowledge. Drawing becomes more logical—and far more assured.

 

✓ Volume Study & Cast Drawing

Learning from the Masters. We will study form and light by drawing features from Michelangelo’s David. Using these timeless classical examples allows us to see anatomy and volume clearly, transform simple constructions into three-dimensional volume. Suddenly, flat shapes begin to feel real and alive.

 

✓ Theoretical Portrait Foundation

Seeing like an Artist. Beyond just "copying" what you see, you will understand the why behind every stroke. This logical skill-building is the core of our structured curriculum.

 

✓ Professional Standards & Documentation

Turning a canvas into a masterpiece. Master the beautiful traditions of documenting and signing your work. When a painting is properly documented, it officially exists as a professional asset that commands respect from collectors.

Inside the Course

Snowstorm Art Studio classes
Snowstorm Art Studio classes
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Optional

The Painter’s Lounge

Additional 60 minutes to 2 hours core session for individual questions, personal feedback, discussion of your drawings, and support. Without complex tech, no overhead cameras required—simply upload a photo of your work, and we will analyze it together on my screen.

The Painter’s Lounge: talk shop


The Painter’s Lounge is our extra time together — optional "buffer" before and after our main work. Think of it as our studio kitchen where we talk shop and share ideas.


How it works:


The Pre-Session (+30 mins): We start a bit earlier to look at your independent practice. It’s the perfect time to ask questions about your home assignments. I’ll be there to provide live digital corrections in Photoshop, helping you see exactly where to adjust your lines or values.


The Post-Session (+30 mins): After our core two-hour lesson, we don’t just "shut down." If the pace felt a bit fast or you just want to finish your drawing in good company, stay with me. We’ll ensure no one is left behind and every lingering question is answered.


A little note: 

I created this space because I know that sometimes a strict two-hour session isn’t enough to cover everything. But your schedule might be packed, and "life is blooming", so both of these sessions are entirely optional. If you’re in a rush, feel free to jump in for the core lesson and head out when you need to. But as your colleague in art, I’d love to see you there whenever you can make it!

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Certificate of Completion

Awarded to every graduate to celebrate artistic achievement and dedication.

your Certificate & Requirements


I’ll be honored to present you with an official Certificate of Completion. It’s more than just a piece of paper — it’s a testament to your hard work, your growth, and the hours you’ve spent mastering your craft with me.


How to earn your credential:


The Prestige of Practice: To ensure this award carries real weight, certificates are reserved for those who attend at least 10 out of 12 sessions. Consistency is the secret ingredient in art!


Skill Building: I’ll ask you to complete all the core Visual Practice & Skill Building assignments. These are the bricks and mortar of your progress.


Official Recognition: Every certificate is uniquely numbered and officially registered in Snowstorm Art Studio database. It’s a permanent record of your achievement.


A note to my colleagues: I set these standards high because I respect your talent and your time. I want you to look at your certificate and know that you didn't just "show up" — you truly earned it. I’ll be right there with you every step of the way to make sure you reach the finish line!

Price

$480

Full Course

12 Sessions
$40 - Session 3 hours

Best Value

$180

In Parts

4 Sessions
$40 - Session 3 hours

1/3 Course

$55

Single

If you decide to continue, your will only pay the remaining balance.

Pay-As-You-Go

Pricing Details & Payment Options:


I’ve designed these plans to fit different paces of life. Whether you’re ready to dive deep or just want to test the waters, there’s a seat at the easel for you!


Full Course (Best Value):

- 12 Sessions (6 weeks).

- 2 sessions per week.

- Each session is 3 hours (2-hour core + 60 min The Painter’s Lounge).

- $40 per 3-hour session ($480 total).


In Parts — 1/3 of the course (Flexible Progress):

- 4 Sessions (2 weeks).

- 2 sessions per week.

- Each session is 3 hours (2-hour core + 60 min The Painter’s Lounge).

- $45 per 3-hour session ($180 per part).


Single Session (Try & Decide):

- 1 Session (3 hours).

- 2-hour core + 60 min The Painter’s Lounge.

- Perfect for those who want to experience the curriculum before committing.

- $55

- If you decide to continue, your payment will be credited toward the Full Course or In Parts pack. You will only pay the remaining balance.

How the Course Works

Session Rhythm & Schedule

We meet twice a week. I’ve designed a three-part rhythm to ensure that every question is answered and every stroke is guided.


30 min — The Pre-Painter’s Lounge: 

This is our dedicated time for reviewing your Art Lab work. Simply upload a photo of your home practice 24 hours before we meet, and we’ll use this half-hour to analyze mistakes, provide corrections, and answer questions that came up during your independent study.


2 Hours — The Core Session: 

This is our intensive, focused work time (Lectures & Practice). This is the heart of the day where we stay "in the zone" and build your skills in real-time.


30 min — The Post-Painter’s Lounge: 

A final half-hour for those who need to catch up with the rhythm of the day. It’s the perfect time for immediate reflections, extra support, or clarifying anything from today's (or previous) sessions.


Total immersion: Although the core is 2 hours, I recommend blocking out 3 hours in your calendar to fully enjoy the "Atelier atmosphere" and the community experience.

Live Demonstration & Atelier Atmosphere

I don’t just explain theory — I draw alongside you in real-time, showing you every step of the process through a professional multi-camera setup.


To make our virtual studio feel as real as possible, we keep our microphones ON! I want to hear the sound of your pencils and brushes, creating a lively, working environment where we talk, analyze, and create together.


You’ll have a front-row seat to every detail:


The Canvas: A clear, high-definition view of the work in progress.


The Palette: A dedicated look at how I mix and manage colors.


The Artist’s Perspective: I’ll be right there in a separate window, so we can maintain that personal, face-to-face connection throughout the class.


Live Interaction: Feel free to ask questions as we go! It’s all about mentorship and clear guidance in every stroke. (Of course, if there’s a bit of background noise, we’ll just mute temporarily to keep our focus sharp).

Digital Resource Library

After each session, you will receive high-quality, print-ready materials designed specifically for your personal collection. I’ve carefully reformatted every session's presentation into a beautiful, high-resolution PDF (Letter format)— perfect for those who (like me!) love the feel of a printed page.


Easy Access: No email clutter! All resources are available for direct download from a private section of my website.


Masterpiece Quality: It’s not just a file; it’s a chapter of what will become your own comprehensive, structured reference book by the end of the course.


A Note on Integrity: This library is a result of my long professional journey and hard work. While I’m happy for you to share your progress or show these materials to friends and family, please remember they are for your personal use only.


Respect the Craft: These resources are not for resale, public distribution, or copying. By keeping them within your private collection, you honor studio's standards and ensure these insights remain a powerful, exclusive tool for your individual growth.

Art Lab & Skill Building

This is where real progress happens, and where your unique artistic voice begins to take shape. Strengthen your understanding, refine your eye, and build confidence through independent practice. It’s your time for freedom to make mistakes, to grow, and to experiment.


Think of this as your private "Art Lab." It’s a vital part of your growth where:


Independence Flourishes: You learn to develop your own habits and solve creative puzzles at your own pace.


The Path to Mastery: Bringing your drawings and questions to The Pre-Session Painter’s Lounge ensures your progress is seen, supported, and refined.


While attending our sessions is key, completing these practices is what truly guarantees that priceless experience and confidence. It is the most reliable path toward receiving your Certificate of Completion.

Digital Resource Library

After each session, you will receive high-quality, print-ready materials designed specifically for your personal collection. I’ve carefully reformatted every session's presentation into a beautiful, high-resolution PDF (Letter format)— perfect for those who (like me!) love the feel of a printed page.


Easy Access: No email clutter! All resources are available for direct download from a private section of my website.


Masterpiece Quality: It’s not just a file; it’s a chapter of what will become your own comprehensive, structured reference book by the end of the course.


A Note on Integrity: This library is a result of my long professional journey and hard work. While I’m happy for you to share your progress or show these materials to friends and family, please remember they are for your personal use only.


Respect the Craft: These resources are not for resale, public distribution, or copying. By keeping them within your private collection, you honor studio's standards and ensure these insights remain a powerful, exclusive tool for your individual growth.

Structured Lectures & Visual Learning

To paint like a master, you first need to see like a master. I designed our core 2-hour sessions as a balanced journey: we move from a solid theoretical foundation and a visually rich presentation straight into intensive, hands-on practice at your easel.


Here is how we spend our time together:


The Introduction: We start with a brief introduction to the "why" and "how" behind each topic. I provide the essential technical background and reference points to prepare you for the task ahead.


Visual Presentation: I’ve carefully sequenced professional slide presentations where we’ll analyze masterworks and technical diagrams. This builds a rock-solid understanding of the day’s topic through proven historical methods.


Intensive Practice: This is the heart of the session. We don’t just watch; we do! You’ll be performing specific exercises and drawings alongside me, applying the theory in real-time to build your muscle memory and skill in a focused, high-productivity environment.


My goal is to give you both the "why" and the "how," so you leave every session with a finished exercise and a deeper understanding of the craft!

Session Recordings

Every session is recorded and remains available for 30 days after the class, so you can revisit the material or catch up at a pace that works best for you.


Life happens, and I want you to feel supported. 


Whether you want to re-watch a complex technical demonstration or missed a live session, these recordings are your personal library for the duration of the course. No detail from our "Atelier atmosphere" is lost!

Materials & Studio Environment

Build a solid foundation before you touch the color. At this Level 1 (Beginner), we focus on form, light, and structure using graphite, charcoal, and sanguine. This is the essential base you need before moving to our Level 2, where we dive into the complex world of skin tones.


Technical Requirements:


Visuals: A large monitor is highly recommended. Please avoid using a phone for the lesson — you need to see every detail clearly.


Camera: You’ll need a phone or camera only to take high-quality photos of your progress and send them to me for review.


Connection: A stable internet connection is vital for our "Atelier atmosphere."

The "Art Kitchen" Philosophy

Our studio is a shared space where we learn together. Please be prepared for the following:


Open Feedback: When you ask for corrections, I will open your work on the screen for the whole group to see. We learn from each other’s mistakes and breakthroughs. This isn't just critique; it’s a collective Lesson.


No Comparisons: Every artist has a unique hand and character. Don’t compare your work to others. Your only competition is who you were before the class!


The Path to Color: We start with black and white because skin has no "single" color; it’s a symphony of the entire palette. Without the structural base of Level 1, color can lead to frustration. We are here to ensure your success!


Upon enrollment, you will receive a comprehensive PDF Guide with names, pictures, and links to all required tools.

A Reward for Success

My goal is to prepare you to create original portraits with confidence and artistic independence. To support this dedication, students who consistently complete their Visual Practice & Skill Building assignments will receive a $20 credit toward their next course as a token of my appreciation.


However, you gain far more than just $20: it is the invaluable experience found through trial, error, and expert guidance. Your independent work is, in fact, the most crucial element; after all, it is precisely the training that empowers you to make your own independent artistic decisions—and this prepares you to do so.

Student Transformations

Coming Soon

Snowstorm Art Studio classes
Snowstorm Art Studio classes
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Frequently Asked Questions

What if I don't have talent?

 

What people often call "talent" is actually the result of study and many unsuccessful works left behind the scenes!

If you struggle to draw a portrait, it’s not a lack of a gift—it’s simply a temporary lack of tools, knowledge, theory, and practice. Together we will build a solid, reliable foundation for you. When inspiration strikes, you will already have all the tools to bring it to life in your creative work.

Certificate of Completion

 

To celebrate the progress you’ve made on this journey, I want you to have tangible proof of your success. I award a Certificate of Completion to every graduate who successfully finishes the Final Master Project. To maintain the prestige of this recognition, certificates are issued to students who:

  • Attend at least 10 out of 12 sessions.

  • Successfully complete all core "Visual Practice & Skill Build-ing" assignments.

Each certificate is uniquely numbered and officially registered in the studio database, serving as a lasting testament to your progress and the pro-fessional skills you have mastered.

The Digital Studio Fund

 

By joining art sessions, you agree that high-quality images of the artwork you create under my guidance become part of the "Digital Studio Fund". I reserve the right to feature these images on the studio’s website, in my port-folio, and on social media.

  • Physical Ownership: Your physical artwork remains entirely yours to keep, and cherish.

  • Digital Legacy: Sharing your work is a way to inspire others by showing what is truly possible through dedication and professional guidance. It serves to celebrate your transformation and document your artistic growth. 

Class Structure

 

These are online instructor-led, small-group sessions limited to a maximum of 15 students. This intimate setting allows me to give you the personal attention and feedback you need to truly grow. We will meet for a set number of live online sessions, working together to build your skills from the ground up.

How will I know where my mistakes are if I can't see them myself?

 

This is my favorite part of online learning! You will send photos of your work during the session, at the end of each class, and before the next lesson. I make precise digital corrections directly over your photo. You see the "before and after" on your screen, understand the reason, and then independently apply those changes to your paper. 

 

This guarantees that the final portrait is 100% created by you, but with a clear understanding of professional principles.

Protecting Our Creative Workspace

 

I have personally hand-drawn every diagram, anatomical scheme, and presentation slide we use (inspired by the great masters like Gottfried Bammes, Jenő Barcsay, and anatomy book by Professor Ken Ashwell, but adapted specifically for my teaching method). These materials are my gift to you for your personal development. To protect the integrity of the mentorship, please remember that recording or distributing these materials outside of our classes is strictly prohibited.

What if I draw slower than everyone else?

 

In art, being "slow" or "fast" does not determine quality or success. What a deliberate, slow-paced artist can achieve is often beyond the reach of a "fast" one, and vice versa. Every creative process is a unique form of meditation, deeply connected to your individual character. Every temperament is valuable and unique, your unique character is your strength. 

 

If you ever feel you need more time, we have the Post-Session Painter’s Lounge after class, where we stay and finish everything together without any rush.

The Legacy of the Master’s Studio

 

As an instructor dedicated to the traditional academic approach to drawing and painting, I honor the ancient traditions of the great Art Ateliers. Histori-cally, there is a profound "Master’s Right": works created under a teacher’s mentorship were considered part of the institution's legacy, often remaining in the academy’s permanent collection to showcase the institution's method.

I embrace this heritage, but with a modern, student-centered twist. While many institutions physically keep student works, I choose to preserve only the "Digital Legacy".

Respecting Your Identity

 

When I showcase the work of my students, I treat it with the same respect as a gallery exhibition, typically including the artist’s name, dimensions, and technique. 

However, I understand that some may prefer to remain anonymous.

  • Your Choice: If you would prefer your work to be displayed with-out your name (as an "Anonymous Studio Work"), please let me know before our sessions begin.

  • Standard Practice: Unless otherwise requested, I will proudly credit you as the creator of the work alongside its technical details.

Do I need expensive equipment?

 

No, we start with the basics: graphite, charcoal, and paper. 

 

The only technical requirement is a good monitor (computer or tablet). Learning from a phone won’t work because you need to see every nuance and the clarity of the lines. 

 

A stable internet connection is key for our live video sessions.

Cancellations & Refunds

 

Life happens, and I understand that.

  • If you need to cancel, you can receive a full refund as long as you let me know at least 7 days before our first session.

  • For later cancellations, a credit toward future art classes may be issued at my discretion. 

  • Once our sessions begin, I cannot offer refunds, but you will have full access to all recordings for 30 days to catch up at your own pace.

Meet Your Guide

Catherine Snowstorm

MA – Master of Arts
BFA – Bachelor of Fine Arts
BA – Bachelor of Arts

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Hello! I’m Catherine Snowstorm, an artist with a lifelong passion for fine arts and years of academic study. With three degrees in Fine Arts (MA, BFA, and BA) and a heart for teaching, I’ve focused on creating a space where precise technical skill and creative freedom grow together.
 
My goal isn't just to teach you how to paint a portrait or landscape, but to guide you through the transformative process of your mastery. I believe that the demanding path of diligent practice, paired with an honest heart, is what leads to the ultimate reward: knowledge and skills that become your tools for self-expression—allowing you to speak of what truly matters to you through art.
 
This journey requires dedication, and every hour spent at the easel is an investment in your creative power—the ability to create what you once thought impossible, to go where others might not have the courage to pursue. This commitment helps you find the confidence and clarity to express your own unique artistic voice.
 
Thank you for visiting—I look forward to connecting with you through art...

Snowstorm Art Studio
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© Catherine Snowstorm. Available for editorial use and press coverage only. Commercial use is strictly prohibited without prior written permission.

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