From Strong Portraits To Fully Resolved Contemporary Paintings
COMPLETE is a self-paced program that takes you from realist portrait foundations to powerful figurative work where background, composition, colour, and figure work together.
ENROL IN COMPLETE ⟶Most realist or portrait schools teach you how to paint a strong portrait — structure, likeness, colour, form. This is essential, but it’s not enough.
So when it comes to the rest of the painting, you’re often left guessing.
How do you solve the background?
How do you create powerful compositions?
How do you generate ideas for paintings?
How do you use these realist skills to create paintings that actually move people — paintings that feel contemporary, that people want to live with and hang on their walls?
How do you move beyond painting accurately, and begin painting expressively, from within yourself?
COMPLETE is the program where all these questions get answered.
You learn the realist techniques that give your portraits depth and emotional impact. But you also learn how to move beyond classical portrait training and embrace the full creative process — experimenting, taking risks, rediscovering the playfulness of painting, and creating work that reflects your personality, not just perfectly executed images.
“Rosso teaches all the classical foundations of portrait painting, then gives them a contemporary twist. I went from stiff portraits to contemporary work with ‘crazy’ backgrounds.”
Sharon Blake, UK
"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, France
“After years away from the easel, I thought my painting days were behind me. Rosso’s guiding presence, experimental approach and focus brought the painter in me back.”
Paula Michele Wagoner, Florida
If you feel stuck creatively — how to move beyond building a portrait, how to bring your ideas and vision to life — COMPLETE is for you.
Inside, you’ll learn the method I refined over 15 years of practice and experimentation — the same framework I use in my own studio today, and one that has helped hundreds of artists move past hesitation, develop stronger work, and go on to exhibit, sell, and win awards.
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
- NEW: BONUS portofolio review or 2x critiques via email
- LIFETIME ACCESS
Here's What's Inside:
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.
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
CREATE ABSTRACT GROUNDS IN MIXED MEDIA
Learn how to create expressive mixed-media grounds using 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.
OVERCOMING CREATIVE BLOCKS
Learn the art of brainstorming, overcoming creative blocks and keep inspired. 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
MERGING REALISM WITH ABSTRACTION
Learn how to work on a large scale. Combine Realism and Abstraction; transform your small sketches and studies into fully accomplished paintings.
Includes over 12 hours of detailed demos, showing every stage of a professional painting process — from first sketch to varnishing.
Each theme builds on the last, guiding you naturally — but you are free to follow the sequence that fits your journey best
Plus, these extra modules on practical topics:
HOW TO PAINT HAIR
Learn all the tricks and shortcut to paint hair! You'll learn which colors, brushes, and mediums work best for red, brunette, blonde, curly, straight, or afro hair ...
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.
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!!
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 $125/month !
FAQ
Is the COMPLETE Program suitable for beginners?
Is it good for acrylic painters?
I mostly paint abstractly — will this still help me?
What makes this program different than any others?
How do I know which program is right for me?
Can I upgrade to the Master Path later?
Can I enrol now and start later?
Hi, I'm Rosso — painter and founder of Rosso Art School.
Classical portraiture was my starting point and remains close to my heart, but over time I started chasing paintings that feel more dynamic, bold and contemporary.
In over 15 years of practice, 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 learning 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.
My art has been featured in
Ready To Enrol?
It’s time to move beyond practicing portraiture —
and step into contemporary painting.
Fill in this form if you’d like to have a chat about where you are in your art journey and what could help you move forward. I read all the messages personally and will get back to you as soon as I can.
Brand partners:
Stay Connected. Stay Inspired
We respect your privacy.