Who said Classical Portraiture and Abstraction can't belong together?
(describe everything, short ) COMPLETE is the onlye self-paced program where you learn how to
- Draw and paint portraits with strong proportions and loose, expressive brushwork
- Create mixed-media backgrounds that flow into the portrait, so everything works as one
- Take your own ideas from first sketch to finished painting
Press play, and I’ll show you around.
They certainly can. COMPLETE is where I show you how.
Inside, I teach you my entire process, step by step: the realist side, the abstract side, and how I bring them together.
By the end, you’ll be able to:
- Draw and paint portraits with strong proportions and loose, expressive brushwork
- Create mixed-media backgrounds that flow into the portrait, so everything works as one
- Take your own ideas from first sketch to finished painting
Press play, and I’ll show you around.
60+ hours of demonstrations · Downloadable resources · Subtitles in multiple languages · Self-paced · Lifetime access
Is COMPLETE for you?
This programme is for artists of any level and medium. Whether you’re taking your first steps in portraiture or already painting and ready to explore further, COMPLETE gives you the skills and creative direction to develop your work.
If you want to move beyond copying photographs, bring the figure and background together, and feel confident experimenting with colour, texture and mixed media, there’s a place for you here.
“One year ago I would never have thought I would be able to paint like I do today.”
Nathalie Fortier
Canada
“I believe I can do it now, after decades of hiding behind a commercial artist’s career.”
Malia Vrooman
United States
“Selling two artworks last month has given me the confidence to work towards being a full time artist.”
Nelly le Comte
Australia
It all happened by accident
My studio in London.
You might know me for paintings that blend traditional oil portraiture with textured abstract grounds in mixed media.
Well, let me tell you something. My style did not come from theory books. It came from years of experimenting, failing and trying again, until one day, while I was covering up yet another painting of my daughter that wasn’t working, things finally clicked.
The texture, the energy, the spontaneity and the harmony I had spent years looking for were right there in front of me.
I teach the same way I learned: the classical rules first, colour, proportion, composition, and then the freedom to experiment, take risks and overcome the fear of failing. Seventeen years of studio practice and my students’ feedback have shaped the method into what it is today.
A few of my paintings
What's inside
The main curriculum consists of over 60 hours of in-depth teaching, divided into 5 core modules covering portrait drawing and painting, mixed media, and the development of original work.
MODULE 1 — Head Anatomy for Artists
To make a portrait strong and convincing, we start with what lies underneath: how the skull is structured, how the features align, how to simplify the head into planes, and how light affects the form.
MODULE 2 — Drawing Realist Portraits
Before colour comes in, we draw. Through three extended demonstrations in pencil and charcoal, plus focused exercises, you’ll learn to get accurate proportions and likeness, and to use light and shadow to give the head volume.
MODULE 3 — Portrait Painting in Oil
Oil painting is not difficult when you have a clear method. I break it into simple steps, from choosing brushes, mediums and colours to the final touches. In two complete demonstrations with different models and palettes, you follow every mix, brushstroke and decision.
MODULE 4 — Abstract Grounds in Mixed Media
Next, we build rich, textured grounds with acrylics, spray paint, gold leaf, stencils and distressed paper. You’ll finish with your own surfaces, ready to become the base for a portrait or an abstract work in their own right.
MODULE 5 — Creating Original Paintings
This is where everything comes together. Following the step-by-step method I have developed over 17 years, you will turn your own sketches into finished original paintings, combining portraiture with abstraction. Ready to show and to sell.
Also included
Understanding Colour
Most people see colour as just its name — red, brown, blue. But colour is more. Learn the three qualities — hue, value, chroma — that every portrait painter needs to see before even reaching for a brush.
Mapping the Portrait
Where do the warm and cool accents go on a face? A video lesson and a printable guide. See how the old masters and accomplished portrait painters placed these landmarks, and learn how to apply them to bring life and vibrancy to your work.
Medium, Brushes & Surfaces
Learn how to use mediums and brushes — and when. You will also be guided to prepare your surfaces, whether canvas or panel, to achieve the best possible results in your paintings.
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Bonuses
Three of my most popular mini-courses, free when you enrol.
Sourcing Photos & Working with References
Behind every great painting is a great reference. Here I share how I built a library of over 45,000 photographs, including how I find and photograph models, source, select, and manipulate references for stronger paintings.
Learn how to create an endless source of ideas and build references that support your artistic vision.
$99 Free
Skin Tones Made Simple
Here I share a simple and effective method for mixing realistic skin tones for any complexion — pale, olive, brown, or dark. By the end of the module, you'll know exactly what to look for and how to mix what you see on your palette, without guesswork and without muddy colour mixtures.
This method works with oils, acrylics, and any other painting medium.
$99 Free
Painting Hair: Any Hair, Any Colour
One of the most requested modules in the programme.
Over the years, I've painted every type of hair imaginable — from highly realistic portraits to bold, expressive interpretations. I share the principles, shortcuts, and techniques I use to paint any hair type, colour, or style: red, brunette, blonde, straight, curly, afro, flowing, tied up, and even bald.
$105 Free
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I have learned so much and created so many new artworks, and they have gained a whole new level of depth and expressiveness. Thanks to your guidance, I finally dare to paint textured backgrounds, beautiful portraits and even hands — something I never thought I would feel confident doing.
Martina Schubert
Germany
Will I really be able to do this?
After years of teaching, I have seen the same obstacle again and again: what feels like a lack of talent is usually a lack of method. When you don’t know what to look for, how to correct what isn’t working, or what to do next, disappointing results quickly cost you your confidence.
With a clear process to follow, skills can be learned and your ideas have room to develop.
Don’t take my word for it.
Paintings by students of Rosso Art School
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COMPLETE is now at $799 or 10 monthly payments of $85.
Current
$799
Next
$945
What you receive
| The core curriculum | |
| ✔ 60+ hours of instruction | $945 |
| ✔ Lifetime access and all future updates | Included |
| ✔ Assignments and exercises throughout | Included |
| ✔ Subtitles in Spanish, Polish, Italian, French and more | Included |
| ✔ Downloadable resources and guides | Included |
| Included bonus courses | |
| ✔ Sourcing Photos & References, with reference pack | $99 |
| ✔ Skin Tones Made Easy | $99 |
| ✔ Painting Hair, any hair, any colour | $105 |
| Support as you learn | |
| ✔ Membership to the private Artist Community | Included |
| ✔ Email support as you work through the programme | Included |
| ✔ Certificate of completion | Included |
| ✔ Discounts and early access to future events and workshops | Included |
| Total value | $1,248 |
| Enrolling now at | $799 |
Your payment options
Once you purchase COMPLETE, you can start anytime you are ready and work at your own pace.
Access is for life.
Learn on any device
Watch the lessons on your computer, tablet or phone. Learn at your own pace, with lifetime access.
Printable guides and references
Download and print the guides and references that go with the lessons, and keep them beside your easel while you paint.
Private Artist Community
Join a private community of artists. Share your work in progress, ask questions and get feedback. I am in there too.
Questions?
Here are the ones I'm asked most often.
What level is COMPLETE for?
I've done portrait courses before. How is this different?
What is your support guarantee?
Will I get feedback on my work?
How long do I have access?
Can I enrol now and start later?
Can I use acrylics or another medium?
I'm an abstract painter. Will this programme make sense for me?
Didn't find your answer? Write to us.
Yes, I'm ready to join →
How Rosso Art School began
As my work changed and my Instagram following started growing, more and more artists asked me to teach them. I began running workshops across the UK, the United States, Italy, France and Spain, and in 2024 I set up Rosso Art School to bring everything online in one place.
In two years over 550 artists have enrolled in my main programmes and the community. Recently I partnered with Michael Harding and Cass Art on a ten-colour oil set for painting skin tones.
If you want to see more of my personal work and artistic journey, it is all here: personal work →
More from artists who studied with me
“Selling two artworks last month has given me the confidence to work towards being a full time artist.”
No matter where you are in your art journey, following the lessons will improve your own individual style.
Nelly le Comte
Australia
“I went from stiff portraits to contemporary work with ‘crazy’ backgrounds.”
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.
Sharon Blake
United Kingdom
“I’m receiving commissions and selling my work.”
I have always loved expressive portraiture, but balancing painting with running my own hotel left me little time. Since learning with Rosso, my work has completely transformed. I am painting more than ever, receiving commissions, selling work, and finally have a clear direction for my practice.
Fritz Forstner
Germany
“I finally love painting backgrounds.”
I always struggled with backgrounds. This programme was the breakthrough. I finally understood how to make the background and the figure work together. Learning to work with texture and simplify my palette completely changed my approach.
Saniya
France
“This journey pushed my work to an entirely new level.”
Rosso has an incredible ability to simplify complex concepts. Her process makes even the most challenging backgrounds and compositions feel achievable and above all truly enjoyable. Learning with her — both online and in person — has been transformative.
Mariam Sandhu
United States
“Would you recommend Rosso’s programme?”
Yes — and I have. The reason is Rosso herself. By looking at the work of a teacher, you quietly experience the level of craftsmanship that makes your inner voice say: this is the one, this person has something I want to learn. If you can look at Rosso’s work and her process and say those words, you have found your answer.
Pat Bereskin
United States
“Rosso’s guiding presence and experimental approach brought the painter in me back.”
After art school, motherhood, and even spinal surgery, I thought my painting days were behind me — until her mentoring reignited my passion and gave me purpose again.
Paula Michele Wagoner
United States
“I never thought I could paint portraits like this.”
I was very hesitant to enrol because I had never painted a portrait before. But Rosso made skin tones so easy to understand that I completed my very first portrait, and I couldn’t believe the result. I’m learning so much and loving every minute of it.
Maria Gabriela S.
United States
“I’ve felt creatively blocked since Covid — and suddenly, ideas returned.”
A new series is beginning. For me, this is a victory over myself. Thank you, Rosso. I’m taking steps I thought I could no longer take.
Florence Liger d’Avignon
France
“I believe I can do it now, after decades of hiding behind a commercial artist’s career.”
I find realism often stiff, but Rosso has captured a movement and energy that is inviting.
Malia Vrooman
United States
“The school is amazing — I love the community, the exchange, and the constructive feedback we receive.”
I’ve learned so much about interpreting colour. Highly recommend.
Justin S.
United States
“I started seeing better. My ability to create a likeness has grown leaps.”
It was such an amazing feeling to be able to keep trusting the process. One of my paintings was accepted into our annual juried exhibition. I had entered many times, and finally got a piece in.
Sabine Ronge
United States
“The biggest takeaway was learning to capture the shadows and values first, to create the form.”
I used to struggle with the human form and the proportions. I saw a genuine improvement. It is giving me more confidence to approach larger, full-bodied subjects.
Kassie Pen
United States
“You made mixing skin tones so easy that I finally understood, and my portraits now are so alive.”
Many thanks for making me see and understand painting.
Gaby S.
United Kingdom
“Rosso gets a feeling for what your strengths are, and helps you improve in the places where you are struggling.”
Nicky Stefanelly
United States
“I learned so much, and you give me an unbelievably great motivation to paint in every free minute.”
And that is beside my full-time job.
Martina S.
Germany
“One year ago when I began, I would never have thought I would be able to paint like I do today.”
You’ve given me the foundation I needed to take my work to another level. Thank you so much!
Nathalie Fortier
Canada
“My biggest aha moment was understanding how to use warm and cool tones.”
My work has become more structured and confident. I understand techniques better and I pay more attention to details.
Nada Kharma
United States
“It is a wonderful programme to learn to paint and to draw. Superbly explained.”
I understand more and more why it is so important to separate the three tone values — light, medium and dark.
Christiane Westermann
Germany
“I would definitely recommend the programme to other artists.”
Both to those who want to improve specific technical skills and to those who are simply looking for renewed inspiration.
Dicsöfi Adrienn
Slovakia
“It is so much easier to evaluate your own work when you know what to evaluate.”
The things I have learned so far would be useful for anybody serious about becoming better.
Thomas Juulsgaard
Austria
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There's nothing more rewarding than seeing your own vision come to life through a painting.
If that's what you want for your work, start your journey here.
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