Classical Skill Meets Contemporary Freedom
Learn the complete method for creating gallery-worthy figurative work — from realist portrait foundations to mixed-media integration
→ Explore the Programs
You're Ready for More Than Practice Pieces.
You want to create art that's gallery-worthy — portraits with presence, compositions with impact, work that collectors notice.
You know classical skill matters. But you also know that mastery without expressive freedom keeps you stuck painting like it's 1890.
I developed a method that solves this: Classical realist foundations + contemporary mixed media and abstraction = work that's technically skilled and unmistakably alive.
That's what these programs teach — whether you're strengthening your classical foundation, adding abstraction to your realism, or building the complete skillset from the ground up.
The Method: Build Classical Skill, Then Add Contemporary Freedom
It's not about choosing between realism or abstraction. It's about building the foundation that lets you do both.
The method has three phases:
Realism — The Core
Master the classical approach to drawing and painting portraits — anatomy, structure, proportion, and luminous skin tones that actually work.
Abstraction — The Freedom of Expression
Learn to create expressive grounds using mixed media, gold leaf, spray paint, and layering techniques that elevate your work from traditional to contemporary.
Integration — The Harmony
Bring it all together — merging figure and ground so your portraits feel alive, dynamic, and ready for exhibition or sale.
This isn't atelier training that costs $40,000 and locks you into rigid tradition. It's accessible, flexible, and designed for artists who want to create work that matters — whether you're self-taught, returning to painting, or already skilled but ready to evolve.
Three Programs. One Method. Choose Where You Want to Begin.
Each program follows the same foundational method — the difference is how deep you go and how much personal guidance you want.
START
Master Classical Portrait Painting
Learn how to draw and paint portraits with the classical technical skill and luminous quality that gallery-worthy contemporary figurative work demands — whether you're self-taught, returning to painting, or looking to strengthen your realist foundation.
What You'll Receive:
Pre-recorded lessons • Lifetime access • 30+ hours of in-depth video training
$399 one-time OR 4 payments of $110
COMPLETE
The Full Method — Realism Meets Abstract
Follow the complete journey from classical portrait foundations to contemporary mixed-media integration. You'll learn how to create expressive abstract grounds, work with gold leaf and spray paint, and merge figure and background into cohesive, gallery-worthy work.
What You'll Receive:
Pre-recorded lessons • Everything in START plus advanced modules • Lifetime access • 60+ hours of comprehensive video training
$945 one-time OR 6 payments of $165
MASTER PATH (premium)
Live Guidance, Critique & Growth
Everything in the Complete Program plus monthly live sessions with me, group critiques on your work, and ongoing mentorship. This is for artists building a serious body of work — whether for exhibition, sale, or simply to reach the highest level of your practice.
What You'll Receive:
80+ hours of training (all pre-recorded content from COMPLETE) • Up to 6 monthly Zoom sessions • Group Critique • Lifetime access
$1,599 one-time OR 8 payments of $210
What Students Are Creating
Since launching in 2024, over 350 artists have enrolled in Rosso Art School. Many are now selling their work, exhibiting, and painting with a confidence and clarity they didn't think was possible.
"After art school, motherhood, and even spinal surgery, I thought my painting days were behind me — until Rosso’s mentoring reignited my passion and gave me purpose again"
Paula Michele Wagoner
"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"
Nathalie Fortier
“The school is amazing — I love the community, the exchange, and the constructive feedback. I've learned so much about color, rendering the figure, and creating expressive abstract grounds." — Justin S.
Hi, I'm Rosso
After years of painting within the limits of realism, I developed a way to merge classical skill with expressive freedom — a process that reignited my creativity and completely transformed my work and career.
In 2020 I began teaching this process online and in person, guiding over 800 artists around the world to loosen up, gain confidence, and consolidate their practice.
In 2024, I founded Rosso Art School to bring my entire method together in one place. In less than a year, over 350 students have joined the programs, and the community keeps expanding both here and with my 185K followers on on Instagram
The school is proudly supported by leading art brands such as Michael Harding, Cass Art, and Pro Arte.
Read My Full Story →BRAND PARTNERS
