Guided Course: Creative Portrait with Transfer
A course by Karen Savard KlassenIllustrator
A course by Karen Savard Klassen, Illustrator
Create unique acrylic portraits using image transfer, frisket masking, and painting techniques to explore light and shadow
Explore the art of transforming photographs into creative acrylic portraits through unique techniques like image transfer and frisket film masking. Start by selecting a photographic reference and learn how to creatively translate it into your own artistic style. Frisket film will help you generate striking contrasts, while layers of black paint will allow you to play with light and shadow, adding depth to your portrait. This guided project encourages you to experiment with textures and incorporate graphic elements, making your artwork truly stand out.
Whether you're drawn to high-contrast cinematic styles or prefer abstract compositions with geometric shapes, this project allows you to explore various creative approaches. Choose to add illustrative details or even integrate digital techniques to elevate your composition. The focus is on discovering new ways to express yourself through acrylics and expanding your artistic repertoire. Embrace the challenge, let your creativity flow, and watch as your portrait comes to life with your personal touch.
What will you learn in this online course?
6 lessons & 15 downloads
Getting Inspired
15 minutes, 54 seconds
Transferring the Image
19 minutes, 32 seconds
The Magic of Frisket
16 minutes, 43 seconds
Painting the Portrait’s Details 2
13 minutes, 32 seconds
What's included in this course?
Explore the captivating world of creative acrylic portraiture with a unique approach that combines image transfer, masking techniques using frisket film, and vibrant acrylic paint. Begin by learning how to take a photographic reference and transform it into a personal work of art. This course guides you through using frisket film to create striking contrasts, allowing you to experiment with layers of black paint. Embrace the play between light and shadows as you develop your portrait, crafting a piece that resonates with your individual style.
Dive deeper into the techniques, refining your skills in painting intricate details, and exploring textures. The course encourages you to infuse your artwork with graphic elements, creating a portrait that embodies your artistic identity. Whether you lean towards high-contrast, cinematic pieces or abstract compositions with geometric shapes, the journey invites you to incorporate illustrative details and even digital techniques. Let your creativity flourish, discovering new expression avenues through acrylic painting while crafting a portrait that truly speaks for itself.
What is this course's project?
Create a unique acrylic portrait using image transfer, frisket film masking, and acrylic paint. Transform photographic references into expressive artworks, experimenting with contrasts, textures, and graphic elements to develop your style and explore new artistic expressions.
Who is this online course for?
Art enthusiasts seeking to explore creative portrait techniques will find this course ideal, particularly those interested in combining traditional and experimental methods. Perfect for artists looking to push boundaries, develop unique styles, and express individuality through mixed media and acrylics.
Requirements and materials
No extensive prior knowledge is needed, just basic familiarity with acrylic painting. Gather a photographic reference, acrylic paints, brushes, frisket film, and a surface to work on. A creative mindset and willingness to experiment will enhance your experience.
Reviews
- 1 month ago
In a certain way interesting and inspiring but I expected more... I'm a bit disappointed.
- 11 months ago
Interesante y dinámico!
- 1 year ago
j'ai beaucoup aimé le cours très intéressant dans sa pratique pédagogique;
- 1 year ago
Muy bonito
She’s always shared her personal work on social media, which has led to commissions from a wide variety of clients including Folio Society, Bankers Hall, RedBloom Salons, and magazines such as Rolling Stone, LA Weekly, The National Post, and The Sunday Times. She’s also received numerous illustration awards from American Illustration, Communication Arts, and Applied Arts, as well as AR100 and the Society of Illustrators.
Content
Guided Course: Creative Portrait with Transfer
- Podcast: Creative Acrylic Portrait with Transfer
- Getting Inspired
- Transferring the Image
- The Magic of Frisket
- Painting the Portrait’s Details 1
- Painting the Portrait’s Details 2
- Final project
What to expect from a Domestika course
Learn at your own pace
Enjoy learning from home without a set schedule and with an easy-to-follow method. You set your own pace.
Learn from the best professionals
Learn valuable methods and techniques explained by top experts in the creative sector.
Meet expert teachers
Each expert teaches what they do best, with clear guidelines, true passion, and professional insight in every lesson.
Certificates
PLUSIf you're a Plus member, get a custom certificate signed by your teacher for every course. Share it on your portfolio, social media, or wherever you like.
Get front-row seats
Videos of the highest quality, so you don't miss a single detail. With unlimited access, you can watch them as many times as you need to perfect your technique.
Share knowledge and ideas
Ask questions, request feedback, or offer solutions. Share your learning experience with other students in the community who are as passionate about creativity as you are.
Connect with a global creative community
The community is home to millions of people from around the world who are curious and passionate about exploring and expressing their creativity.
Watch professionally produced courses
Domestika curates its teacher roster and produces every course in-house to ensure a high-quality online learning experience.
FAQs
Yes, this course is designed for intermediate artists looking to expand their skills in sketchbook practice, image transfer, acrylic painting, and mixed media portraiture.
You'll need a sketchbook, Conté crayon, pencils, erasers, frisket film, gel medium, acrylic paints, brushes, rubber stamps, X-ACTO blade, and access to Photoshop or Procreate for digital editing.
You’ll learn daily sketchbook routines, image transfer methods, layering acrylics, stencil masking, experimenting with digital and traditional media, and creating expressive mixed media portraits.
No prior digital art experience is required, but basic familiarity with Photoshop or Procreate is helpful for digital texture and editing lessons.
Yes, many techniques focus on traditional materials, but some lessons include optional digital steps for those with access to Photoshop or Procreate.
The course demonstrates step-by-step image transfer using Conté and tracing, as well as acrylic transfer methods to create accurate and expressive portrait foundations.
You’ll learn how to use a sketchbook for daily inspiration, experimenting with gouache, mark making, rubber stamps, and brainstorming themes for illustration.