From strong portraits to striking contemporary paintings
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Art education rooted in professional studio practice
At Rosso Art School, I teach the entire process of creating contemporary figurative paintings.
Not just how to build a strong portrait — but how to develop the composition, work with layered mixed-media grounds, control colour, and push every element of the painting to a high standard. From the first idea to the final mark.
Whether you are starting out, wanting to refine your portrait skills, or ready to develop a full body of work that reflects your voice and individuality — there is a program designed to meet you where you are, and to take you further.
Here's How You Can Learn With Me
Online programs, in-person workshops, and private coaching — all built around real studio practice,
not theory alone.
COURSES
Online Courses
Learn from anywhere in the world, at your own pace. These online programs are suitable for all levels and include lifetime access once you enrol. Taught in English, with subtitles in multiple languages .
IN-PERSON
Retreats & Workshops
Immersive in-person experiences for hands-on guidance, live demonstrations, and direct feedback.
Work alongside other artists in inspiring locations while diving deep into your practice.
COACHING
Private Coaching
The fastest way to move forward. Work directly with Rosso through one-on-one coaching, tailored to where you are and focused on where you want to go — whether building a cohesive body of work, preparing for exhibitions, or finding a new direction.
Learning portraiture is the start; mastering the entire process is what takes you far .
Hi, I'm Rosso
a London-based painter and founder of the school.
After more than fifteen years of professional studio practice — alongside exhibitions, awards, and years of teaching — I began to notice a pattern: many artists could build a strong portrait, but fell apart when it came to the rest of the painting. Backgrounds. Composition. Materials. The parts nobody had taught them.
I had spent years solving this myself — developing a method rooted in classical portrait foundations, then pushing it further through layered grounds, mixed media, and real studio problem-solving. Not theory. Practice.
I began sharing this approach in 2018, in person and online. As demand grew through my community of over 190K followers on Instagram, it became clear this work needed a dedicated home.
In 2024, I founded Rosso Art School to bring everything I'd learned into one place — a clear, practice-led framework for artists ready to master the entire process, not just the portrait.
In the first year, over 450 artists enrolled, alongside more than 700 students who attended my workshops in person.
The school is proudly supported by Cass Art, Michael Harding Paints, and Pro Arte Brushes — and continues to grow into an international community of artists who want more than simply painting portraits.
Read My StorySince the official launch in 2024, over 350 artists from around the world have joined Rosso Art School — and their growth, feedback, and paintings have become an essential part of how this school continues to evolve.
Nicky Stefanelli (California)
"Rosso is able to work individually with each person and gets a feeling for what your strengths are and help you improve in places where you are struggling"
Maria Gabriela S. (NY)
"Many thanks for making me see and understanding painting"
Fritz Forstner (Germany)
I really appreciate all the content you are putting in to your art school . I’m still on the drawing realism section as I’m savouring every morsel of information and I can’t believe how much I’ve learnt so far and how you have motivated and excited me to work hard and experiment. When I’m not doing the art I’m thinking about it !
Before you leave... Download a Free Resource
Why do some portraits feel resolved, yet lacking presence?
This guide shares the principles that shaped my work over fifteen years of studio practice — from classical foundations to the missing element that influences how a portrait develops from the very first brushstroke.
A 20-page PDF with clear concepts, visual examples, and practical ways of thinking you can apply immediately.
Download the Guide
Get in Touch — I’d love to hear from you.
Whether you have a question about my programs, want to collaborate, or for any other enquiry — you can reach me directly here.
I will reply asap.
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