Painted precision: Jan van Eyck inspired portraits

Join artist Joanna Conybeare for a two-part oil painting course inspired by our exhibition Van Eyck: The Portraits Across two sessions, you’ll step into the world of Jan van Eyck, a pioneer of portraiture whose work transformed how people were represented. Using oil paint in delicate, translucent layers, van Eyck created portraits of striking realism, capturing not just appearance, but the individuality and presence of his sitters. Led by Joanna Conybeare, this course introduces the key techniques behind van Eyck’s luminous paintings. Through guided exercises and a sustained portrait study, you’ll explore how to build an image gradually using oil paint, paying close attention to light, texture, and fine detail. You’ll learn how to approach portrait drawing and composition and how to capture the subtle shifts in light on the planes of the face. We’ll cover the techniques for layering and glazing in oils and explore how capturing details can add character and expression in a portrait. Suitable for adults of all levels, from beginners to those with more experience. Joanna will offer tailored guidance so you can develop confidence and skills at your own pace. Working in the supportive and relaxed environment of the Clore Art Studio, you’ll take inspiration from van Eyck’s intimate and highly detailed portraits while developing your own painting style. By the end of the course, you’ll have created your own portrait painting and gained a deeper understanding of oil painting tech...