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AC204 Portrait Painting with Acrylics

About this event

Instructor: Cara Bain

Learn to paint portraits full of expression. Starting with a painting exercise, you will learn to mix colours that convey vibrant skin tones. Building on these skills, you will create full portraits using your own or instructor-provided reference photos.

You will begin with an underpainting, learning to use correct proportions and shapes to gain a likeness. Step-by-step, you’ll discover techniques for mixing colours as they appear in light and shadowed areas of the face; and learn about brushwork, colour and tonal values. Throughout the workshop, the instructor will provide hands-on guidance to help you add nuance and detail.

You’ll come away with what you need to paint your own captivating portraits!

Supplies list:

Acrylic Paint
Titanium White, Yellow Ochre, Cadmium Red Light, Alizarin Crimson, Ultramarine Blue, Burnt Sienna, Burnt Umber

Medium
Acrylic Retarder

Brushes
Bring whatever brushes you have. Here are Cara’s favourites.
• 2 Soft Synthetic Brushes: Flat size 6-10, Angled ¼ inch and ½ inch
• 1 Bristle Flat Brush: Sizes 6-8
• 1 round brush: Size 1- 4

Metal Palette Knife

Palette

Pallette Paper, 12x16” Disposable, or Sta-wet Palette

Surfaces
• 3 Surfaces: 11” x 14” or 12” x 16” each
• Canvas or Gessoed Hardboard Panel

Roll of Paper Towel – ‘Scott’s Shop Towels’ (blue)

Water container

Bio: Since 2016, Cara has been an art instructor, teaching and inspiring students to build a solid foundation of technique and express their creativity. She has a Bachelor’s in Visual Communication and 20 years of experience, including numerous exhibitions around Vancouver. Through painting and teaching, Cara inspires a deeper connection to the world, capturing the majesty of nature and the complexities of the human spirit.

Date and Time

Monday, April 20, 2026, 12:30 PM until 3:30 PM

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Location

Art Room
3875 Point Grey Road
Vancouver, BC V6R 1B3
CAN
(604) 228-1461

Registration Info

Registration is required and it opens Tuesday, March 24, 2026 at 10:00 AM

Payment In Full In Advance Only

This course is open to non-members.

Online member registration opens on Tuesday, March 24 at 10 am.
Non-member registration opens on Tuesday, March 31 by phone or in person only. (no online registrations)

To register, click the "Register Now" button on the right-hand side of the screen. If you don’t see this button, it means you haven't logged in as a member yet. You can log in by clicking "Member Login" at the top right side of the screen. If you’re having difficulties registering, you can call the office for assistance at 604-228-1461 during weekdays between 9 am to 4 pm.

Registration modifications are permitted until Friday, April 17, 2026 at 12:01 AM

Registration cancellations will be accepted until Friday, April 17, 2026 at 12:00 AM

Cancellation Policy:

Please read the Brock House Society refund policy prior to registering for activities (courses, events, tours) that have a fee.

- There is a $15 processing fee for ALL cancellations.
- To ensure that classes and events can go ahead as planned, members must cancel a class or event no later than 3 days prior to the start/event date to be eligible for refunds. No refunds are given after this deadline.
- To be eligible for a refund of tours, cancellation requests must be received 7 days prior to the tour. No refunds are given after this deadline.
- If Brock House needs to cancel a course/event/tour due to low attendance, a full refund will be provided.