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FREE Portrait Guide

Learn how to create 

Abstract-Figurative Paintings

in Your Style! 

 

Join the Complete program

Welcome to The COMPLETE Program — Your All-In-One Learning Journey

I designed this course for artists of any level who are ready to deepen their practice and gain full control of their creative process — from start to finish.

Inside, I share my exact process step by step. You’ll see how I nurture ideas, develop expressive grounds, and bring them to life as impactful, contemporary abstract–figurative paintings.

 

 

The Complete Program is a stream-only, on-demand course designed to guide you through your learning journey — entirely at your own pace. 

 

What's Included:

  • 60+ hours of in-depth video demos covering key themes — from realist portraiture to expressive abstraction

  • Subtitles in multiple languages (Spanish, Italian, French, Germa, Polish, Arab...)

  • Focus Modules to deepen specific skills

  • Assignments & Exercises to support your practice and growth

  • Downloadable References & Painting Guides

  • Certificate of Completion

  • Access to a Dedicated Artist Community

As you advance in your journey, this program will become your companion and go-to place for guidance — always there, always available, for life.

"Rosso’s delicate application of color and calm, guiding presence allowed the painter in me to re-emerge after years away from the easel ... 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 (Florida)

"Hey Rosso! First, I want to thank you for the great program...You have influenced me and my work in such a positive and fulfilling way. Thank you so much"

 

Fritz Fostner (Germany)

Here's What You'll Learn

REALIST PORTRAIT DRAWING

Learn the fundamentals of head anatomy and classical drawing techniques to create realistic portraits using pencil, charcoal, pastel, or any dry medium.
Includes 4 in-depth demonstrations with different subjects/angles, in pencil and charcoal, plus downloadable references, lectures, and practical excercises.

 4+ long demos

MIXING REALISTIC SKIN TONES

 Learn a simple, effective step-by-step method to mix realistic skin tones for any complexion  — from white, olive, light brown and deep black skin. You’ll understand how to create and balance cool and warm tones, keep your palette tidy, and avoid muddy or lifeless colors. You’ll also learn to mix subtle color shifts across different lighting situations, so your portraits stay always vibrant. 

4 separate focus demos / all skin colours covered 

PAINT BEAUTIFUL PORTRAITS IN OIL

Two complete ad-hoc demonstrations with different models, showing you exactly how to start, develop, and finish your portraits to a high, professional standard. You’ll also learn how to design original compositions and use colorful backgrounds to enhance your portraits. Each demo is taught step by step in oil, but the process is equally suitable for acrylics.

 2 full in-depth demos - pale & brown skin

ABSTRACT GROUNDS & MATERIALS

An immersive, hands-on module that explores how to create expressive mixed-media grounds using:  unconventional tools, mixed media (gold leaf, gilding, spray paint, acrylics, etc.) and multiple layering techniques.

You’ll also learn about materials — from choosing between canvas or panels to properly preparing, sealing, and priming your surfaces for the best results. 

 4 hours + videos

OVERCOMING CREATIVE BLOCKS

Become aware of the full creative process — from brainstorming and overcoming creative blocks to generating fresh ideas. I open up my studio doors to show you exactly how I keep inspired and active.
You’ll also learn how to manipulate references and move confidently from doodle to sketch to original compositions, developing ideas that naturally evolve into powerful paintings

 lectures, slides and studio tour

BLENDING THE FIGURE WITH ABSTRACT

Bring together everything you’ve learned so far in a complete medium-to-large painting project. Explore how to Merge the figure and background seamlessly; Balance realism and abstraction with confidence; Push beyond conventional compositions to create something truly personal and dynamic.

Includes over 12 hours of detailed demos, showing every stage of a professional painting process — from first sketch to varnishing.

 12+ hours demos

 

Each theme builds on the last, guiding you naturally — but you are free to follow the sequence that fits your journey best 

Of course, I included very practical topics too, like:

HOW TO PAINT HAIR

Learn the fundamental guidelines and tricks I use to paint any hair type or color. I’ll show you exactly which colors, brushes, and mediums work best for red, brunette, blonde, curly, straight, or afro hair — so whether you paint artistically or faithfully, you’ll feel completely in control.

 

MEDIUM, BRUSHES & SURFACES

 I’ll share my practical guidelines to help you understand which mediums and brushes to use — and when.
You’ll also learn how to prepare your surfaces, whether canvas or panel, to achieve the best possible results in your paintings.

 

FOCUS DEMOS

Zoom-in on key elements in figurative painting such as the eyes, nose, mouth,  and hands.
Each demo breaks down one specific feature, helping you understand anatomy, light, color, and edges in a simple, focused way.

 

Plus, all 'simple' things that get easily neglected at art schools... because you can only truly learn from a professional artist with years of experience! 

Here's some more Benefits of Joining the Complete Program: 

References and PDF

I'm giving access to a selection of my photo library — yes, the same I use for my paintings!! — it took me 8 years to build, but it's a free bonus to my students! 
Exclusive Artist Community
Did you know that artists are joining from all continents?! Yes — a genuine global community! 
Lifetime Access

What you learn here will be your companion for a long time - you can keep returning eveen after you complete your program and always find new resources!! 

 

Here's exactly how the curriculum is organised:

  1. Blending Realism with Abstract: An Introduction

    1 lesson
    1. From Realism to Abstract: A Personal Journey

  2. Organise Your Workspace

    3 lessons
    1. Material and supply I use
    2. Essential Tools for Drawing and Painting
    3. SUPPLY LIST

  3. Fundamentals Of Realist Portraiture PART I - focus on drawing

    6 lessons
    1. Chapter Overview
    2. General Axes
    3. Planes of The Head, Light & Shadow Shapes
    4. Mapping the Planes: Adapting the Asaro Head to Your Portraits
    5. PRACTICE AT HOME: Creative Excercises & References
    6. Appendix

  4. Drawing a realist portrait

    12 lessons
    1. Before We Start: Materials and Studio Set Up PART ONE
    2. Before We Start: Materials and Studio Set Up PART TWO
    3. Drawing Irene
    4. Drawing Sarah

    1. Drawing Ella in Charcoal

      1. Drawing With Charcoal - Intro
      2. ELLA PART I
      3. ELLA PART II
      4. ELLA PART III
      5. ELLA PART IV
      6. ELLA PART VI
      7. ELLA PART VII

    2. PRACTICE AT HOME: Creative Exercises And Assignment

      1. Creative Exercises And Assignment

  5. FOCUS ON: 5 mins videos on additional drawing topics

    11 lessons
    1. Chapter Overview
    2. Drawing the Eyes - Uxua
    3. Drawing the Eyes - Esme
    4. Drawing The Eyes - Marta
    5. Recap / How to Practice Eye Studies
    6. Drawing the Nose part one
    7. Drawing the Nose part two
    8. Drawing the Nose part three
    9. Drawing the Mouth part one
    10. Drawing the Mouth part two
    11. Drawing the Mouth part three

  6. FOCUS ON: HANDS

    2 lessons
    1. Chapter Overview
    2. Basic Anatomy Of Hands

    1. Hands Demo I - Drawing a Simple Hand

  7. Face the Unknown: Experimental Portrait Drawing (PART I)

    6 lessons
    1. Chapter Overview
    2. Preparing the Ground: Mounting Paper on canvas

    1. Creative Portrait Demo in Charcoal: Focus on Shadow Shapes and Light

      1. Biuka Demo I
      2. Biuka Demo II
      3. Preserving the Drawing
      4. PRACTICE AT HOME: Creative Excercies, Resources and Assignments

  8. Fundamentals of Realist Portraiture PART II - focus on painting

    5 lessons
    1. Chpater Overview
    2. Understanding How Light Affects Chroma & Temperature
    3. Mastering Temperature: How Classical Painters Created Depth
    4. Concluding Notes
    5. PRACTICE AT HOME: References and Creative Excercises

  9. Mixing Realistic Skin Tones For Any Complexion

    10 lesson
    1. Chapter Overview

    1. An Effective Method to Mix Any Skin Colour

      1. An Effective Method to Mix Any Skin Colour - Intro
      2. BASE COLOR, PRIMARIES AND CHROMA

    2. Colour Mixing Demo

      1. How To Organize Your Palette
      2. One Palette For Different Skins
      3. Mixing Skin Tones : White Pale Skin
      4. Mixing Skin Tones: Olive: Light Brown Skin
      5. Mixing Skin Tones: Dark / Black Skin
      6. Concluding Notes
      7. PRACTICE AT HOME: creative exercises and assignment

  10. Abstract Background Techniques

    7 lessons
    1. A Method to Unleash Creativity
    2. Priming Your Surfaces
    3. Creating an Abstract Ground for a Medium Painting
    4. Toning & Applying Gold Leaf​
    5. Spray Painting, Stencilling & Layering
    6. Tips and Best Practices to Keep Inspired!
    7. PRACTICE AT HOME: creative exercises and assignment

  11. Creating Impactful Portraits I : White & Pale Complexion

    23 lesson
    1. Overview of the lesson

    1. Before We Start: Surface, Composition & Transferring Our Drawings

      1. How to Start Your Portrait- Irene
      2. Tracing Your Drawings
      3. Transferring Your Drawings

    2. Before We Start: Creating A Colour Stusy Using The Zorn Study

      1. Color Study Intro
      2. Zorn Palette: Mixing Demo
      3. Color Study Irene Part I
      4. Color Study Irene Part II

    3. Start Painting: Blocking-in

      1. IRENE PART ONE - Blocking In
      2. IRENE PART TWO - Adding More Definition

    4. Phase Two: Get the Likeness Right

      1. Intro: Rendering
      2. Using The Mirror
      3. Rendering Part I
      4. Rendering Part II

    5. Pushing the Portrait Further: Finer Details and Rendering

      1. Pushing The Portrait Further: Intro
      2. Pushing The Portrait Further: Remix Your Colors
      3. Pushing the Portrait Further: Oiling Out
      4. Pushing the Portrait Further: Irene - Final Push

    6. Finishing Touches: Adding an Abstract Background & Varnishing Your Work

      1. Finishing Touches: Background
      2. Finishing Touches: Varnishing Your Work
      3. Finishing Your Work: Concluding Notes Irene

    7. Appendix:

      1. A Review of Oil Paint MEDIUMS
      2. PRACTICE AT HOME: creative exercises and assignment

  12. Creating Impactful Portraits II : Olive & Brown Complexion (model: Sarah)

    17 lessons
    1. Before We Start: Preliminary Thoughts on Composition
    2. Before We Start: Mixing Skin Tones for Light Brown/Olive Complexion

    1. Let's Start Painting: Blocking-in

      1. Sarah Blocking In Part One
      2. Sarah Blocking In Part Two

    2. Painting Phase Two: Modelling

      1. SARAH MODELLING PART I
      2. SARAH MODELLING PART II
      3. SARAH MODELLING PART III

    3. Painting Phase III: From Modelling to Rendering

      1. From Modelling to Rendering - Intro
      2. From Modelling To Rendering Part I
      3. From Modelling To Rendering Part II
      4. From Modelling To Rendering Part III
      5. From Modelling To Rendering Part IV

    4. Painting Phase 4: Chest, Dress, Hair

    5. Painting Phase 4: Chest, Dress, Hair

      1. Chest
      2. Bodice
      3. Hair

    6. Final touches & Backgrounds

      1. Final touches & Backgrounds

    7. PRACTICE AT HOME: creative exercises and assignment

      1. PRACTICE AT HOME: creative exercises and assignment

  13. Creating Impactful Portraits III : Black & Dark Complexion

    0 lessons

  14. Painting Hair

    15 lesson
    1. Chapter Overview

    1. General Guidelines and Color Palette For Different Hair Types

      1. Hair Colour Palette
      2. Color Palette And Focus Points

    2. FOCUS DEMO: Painting Blonde Hair

      1. Painting Blonde Hair

    3. FOCUS DEMO: Painting Bangs

      1. Bangs - Intro
      2. Bangs - Part I
      3. Bangs - Part II
      4. Bangs - Part III
      5. Bangs - Part IV

    4. FOCUS DEMO: SHORT HAIR & BALD STYLE

      1. Intro
      2. Bald Hair Part I
      3. Bold Hair Part II
      4. Short Hair Part I
      5. Short Hair Part II

    5. PRACTICE AT HOME: Creative Exercises And Assignment

      1. Creative Exercises And Assignment

  15. Breaking Through Creative Blocks: Unlock Ideas with Sketching, Doodling & Preliminary Studies

    22 lesson
    1. Chapter Overview

    1. Breaking Through Creative Blocks: Tips to Kickstart Your Imagination

      1. Plan Your Process
      2. A Glimpse Into My Sketchbook

    2. Demo I: Warming Up with Sketching

      1. Intro
      2. Sketching Demo Part I
      3. Sketching Demo Part II

    3. DemoII: Transform Your Sketches Into Small Painting Studies

      1. Intro
      2. Preparing A Ground For The Study
      3. Transferring The Sketch
      4. Color Study Part I
      5. Color Study Part II
      6. Color Study Part III
      7. Color Study Final
      8. Material List

    4. How to: Scale Up Your Preliminary Studies

      1. Intro
      2. Methods To Scale Up Your Studies
      3. Preparing The Ground For Your Large Work

    5. APPENDIX: Composition and Alternative Methods to Unlock Creativity

      1. Let's Talk About Composition
      2. Alternative Methods For Creative Ideas Aand Solutions

    6. PRACTICE AT HOME: Creative Exercises And Assignment

      1. Creative Exercises And Assignment
      2. Material List

    7. ADD-ONS: Extra Reference Material

      1. Extra Reference Material

  16. Loosen & Scale Up: Turn Small Studies into Bold, Full-Sized Art

    15 lessons

    1. Painting on a Large Scale: Organize Your Workspace

      1. Intro
      2. Palette

    2. Phase I: Toning & General Blocking

      1. Toning & General Blocking Part I
      2. Toning & General Blocking Part II
      3. Toning & General Blocking Part III
      4. Toning & General Blocking Part IV
      5. Toning & General Blocking Part V
      6. Toning & General Blocking Part VI

    3. Phase II: Modelling the Portrait

      1. Modelling The Portrait Part I
      2. Modelling The Portrait Part II
      3. Modelling The Portrait Part III
      4. Modelling The Portrait Part IV

    4. Phase III: Rendering The Portrait

      1. Rendering The Portrait Part I
      2. Rendering The Portrait Part II

    5. Portrait Checklist

      1. Portrait Checklist

    6. PRACTICE AT HOME: Creative Exercises And Assignment

  17. From Studio to Sold: Push Your Paintings to the Next Level

    20 lesson
    1. Intro to the Final Part

    1. Creating The Dress

      1. Creating The Dress Part I
      2. Creating The Dress Part II

    2. How To: Push The Portrait Further

      1. Pushing The Portrait - Intro
      2. Pushing The Portrait - Remixing Skin Tones
      3. Pushing The Portrait - Part I
      4. Pushing The Portrait - Part II
      5. Pushing The Portrait - Part III

    3. Retouching The Hair

      1. Retouching The Hair - Part I
      2. Retouching The Hair - Part II

    4. Merging The Figure With The Background: The TReble Layer Method

      1. The Treble Layer Method - Part I
      2. The Treble Layer Method - Part II
      3. The Treble Layer Method - Part III
      4. The Treble Layer Method - Part IV
      5. The Treble Layer Method - Part V

    5. Final Touches

      1. Final Touches

    6. PRACTICE AT HOME: Creative Exercises And Assignment

      1. Creative Exercises And Assignment

    7. APPENDIX: Brushes & Brushwork

      1. Brushes - Intro
      2. Brushes - A Review
      3. Brushwork

  18. FOCUS GUIDES: Bonus Insights

    3 lessons
    1. Chapter Overview
    2. Mastering Eyes, Ears, Nose And Mouth
    3. Painting Hands: Understanding Sargent's Painterly Approach

  19. Conclusion

    2 lessons
    1. Course Recap
    2. Continuing Your Artistic Journey

  20. APPENDIX: ART SUPPLIES & STUDIO TOOLS

    5 lesson
    1. A Review Of Oil Paint Mediums

    1. Brushes & Brushwork

      1. Brushes - Intro
      2. Brushes - A Review
      3. Brushwork

    2. Discounts & Special Offers

      1. Discounts & Special Offers

You can access all this content — that is, over 60hours of videos covering key painting topics in depth — plus, free references and extra guides, with an investment of less than $170/month !

Enrol Today!

30% OFF until 1st December 

 

Choose the payment option that is right for you:

 

PAY monthly

165$

6 monthly payments

  • Instant Access to all Pre-recorded Content

  • 60+ hours of video lessons

  • Monthly Website/Social Media  Features
  • Artist community

  • Alumni discounts on art supplies and future events

  • email support
  • Lifetime Content
ENROL NOW with 30% discount

PAY in full

945$

MOST POPULAR - Save 89$

 

  • Instant Access to all Pre-recorded Content
  • 60+ hours of video lessons
  • Artist community
  • Monthly Website/Social Media  Features
  • Alumni discounts on art supplies and future events
  • email support
  • Lifetime Content  
ENROL NOW with 30% discount

Many artists who have learned with me describe a deep transformation — artistic and spiritual.
I'm so grateful for the feedback I keep receiving:  

 

What I wanted to express is my big thanks to you for two main things: that I learned so much and that you give me a unbelievable great motivation to paint in every free minute / hour (beside my fulltime job)

 

Martina S. (Master Path)

"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" (Nicky is a portrait now photographer incorporating painting into her practice!)

Nicky Stefanelli (California)

"Thanks a lot for your classes! I'm definetely finding my own style thanks to you! ... I always feel stuck with the background but creating texture and patterns with stencils spoke to me. Also, simplifying my palette realizing that just a touch of right colour could cool everything down changed my approach"

Saniya (Paris)

"Many thanks for making me see and understanding painting" (Gabriela's holding her first expressive portrait in oil painted using my 3-steps method!)

Maria Gabriela S (NY)

 

But perhaps the best way to show my appreciation — and theirs — is by sharing the incredible work they’ve created since learning with me.

( Have a look at the students' gallery, the paintings are amazing!!) 

 

 

 if you have time, please 

Visit The Student Gallery

Hi, I'm Rosso — painter and the founder of Rosso Art School.

Portraiture was my starting point and remains close to my heart, but over time my vision has expanded and I started chasing paintings that feel more universal, dynamic and meaningful.

After sixteen years of exploration — from copying and realism to expressive, abstract–figurative work — I’ve experimented with countless techniques, materials, and tools, finding harmony between 'chaos' and 'classical'.

Through the COMPLETE Program, I share everything that helped me find this balance  — showing you how to move beyond representation and painting with intention and purpose. Knowing how to start, progess, and when to stop.

My goal is to help you refine your technique, deepen your creative voice, and build paintings that make you smile from deep inside.

Read my bio here

My art has been featured in 

(click the logos, they will take you to those special moments)   

The school officially turns 1 in November 2025 — yet in less than a year, over 200 students from across the world have already enrolled!

 

Partner Brands:

Here are some of the questions I get asked frequently: 

 

 

Not sure where to start?

Take a 1-minute Quiz

Join this truly global community of artists who are already transforming the way they paint.

Enrol Today!

30% OFF until 1st December 

Choose the payment option that is right for you:

 

PAY monthly

165$

6 monthly payments

  • Instant Access to all Pre-recorded Content

  • 60+ hours of video lessons

  • Multiple Language Subtitles (Spanish, French, Italian, Portuguese, Russian, Arab, Polish, etc)
  • Artist community
  • Monthly Website/Social Media  Features

  • Alumni discounts on art supplies and future events

  • email support
  • Lifetime Content
ENROL NOW

PAY in full

945$

MOST POPULAR - Save 89$

 

  • Instant Access to all Pre-recorded Content
  • 60+ hours of video lessons
  • Multiple Language Subtitles (Spanish, French, Italian, Portuguese, Russian, Arab, Polish, etc)
  • Artist community
  • Monthly Website/Social Media  Features
  • Alumni discounts on art supplies and future events
  • email support
  • Lifetime Content  
ENROL NOW

Fill in this form if you have more questions or  you’d like to have a personal chat with me about where you are in your art journey and what could help you move forward, I’d be happy to arrange that. I’ll get back to you as soon as I can.

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