Workshop - The Expressive Portrait
2-Day Workshop - Deep dive into expressive portrait!
Available spots
Workshop Description
This two-day workshop is an invitation to dive deep into portrait painting—not through fixed steps or formulas, but through direct, hands-on engagement. It’s about showing up with curiosity, energy, and a willingness to take risks. Together in the studio, we’ll challenge habits, experiment with bold decisions, and embrace the unexpected. Rather than aiming for polished results, we’ll focus on what drives a painting: observation, intuition, and intention. Mistakes, hesitation, and uncertainty will be part of the process—and instead of avoiding them, we’ll learn to use them as fuel. Through a series of exercises and open-ended sessions, we’ll explore how to build expressive portraits that speak with power and authenticity. This is not about getting it “right”—it’s about finding your own visual language by letting go of control and responding to what unfolds on the canvas. Sometimes the most honest work happens when you allow yourself to be surprised. Key Ideas We Will Explore! - Understanding Your Why What drives you to paint? What do you want to explore, express, or discover? - Setting an Artistic Goal Learning to make choices that guide your process and define what should stand out. - The Attitude of Painting Moving beyond hesitation, embracing spontaneity, and balancing control with freedom. - Fear & Failure Identifying fear in your process, finding ways to trick self-doubt, and learning how failure can be a tool for growth. - Breaking Down the Portrait Using portraiture to discuss structure, expression, and abstraction in painting. - Making Key Elements Stand Out Understanding how to emphasize certain areas and simplify others to create impact. - The Long Road Accepting that painting is an ongoing process where the result matters less than the journey itself. - Developing Your Own Voice Finding personal meaning in your work and moving beyond imitation. - Letting the Process Lead You Don’t be a slave to your initial idea. Try things. Be open to accidents and unexpected discoveries. Let the painting show you where to go instead of forcing it into a fixed vision. Workshop Dates and Time: Saturday 4/10/2025 - Sunday 5/10/2025 09:00 - 13:00 + 14:00 - 18:00
Fees & Reservations
Workshop Fee : € 400.00 The fee includes 16 hours of tuition, including presentations & one-on-one time with Nikolas Antoniou. Materials Provided & What to Bring Canvases and a selection of basic materials will be provided for the workshop, including paints, solvents, and some brushes—the same kind I personally use in my own practice. These are intended to support your process and give you a direct insight into my working approach. However, all participants are strongly encouraged to bring any additional tools or materials they prefer to work with or consider essential to their personal practice. This may include favorite brushes, palettes, mediums, or any other items that help you feel comfortable and confident while painting. The goal is to create a space where you can experiment freely with both familiar and new tools. The cost does not include accommodation, airfares, transport, meals or any other fees. CANCELLATION POLICY If you need to cancel your participation, please notify us in writing. Cancellations made up to 14 days before the start of the workshop are eligible for a 70% refund of the total fee. Cancellations made within 14 days of the workshop are non-refundable due to the limited number of spaces and the preparation involved. Please note that in the unlikely event of cancellation due to force majeure (such as natural disasters, political unrest, illness, or other unforeseen circumstances beyond our control), we reserve the right to cancel or reschedule the workshop. In such cases, participants will be notified as soon as possible, and a full refund will be issued. However, we are not responsible for any additional costs incurred, such as travel or accommodation. By registering for the workshop, you acknowledge and agree to these terms.
Contact Details
+357 97736434
antoniounikolas1@gmail.com