Back By Popular Demand

 

If this sounds like you?

  • Are you tired of producing lackluster portrait drawings?      
  • Do you find yourself forgetting what you learned in a portrait drawing workshop once you're back in your own studio? 
  • Do you struggle with getting stuck and feeling like you're not improving no matter how much you practice?

 THEN

Take your art to the next level and create portraits that are full of emotion and depth.

JOIN THE WAITLIST NOW

A groundbreaking online course designed to help you develop the skills and techniques you need to create stunning, life-like portraits.

 

What sets this course apart from others is its unique approach to teaching.  See how this course is unlike most online drawing courses...

 

INTRODUCING

Here's what you are getting.

To begin with you get a full demonstration from the beginning in Hi-Def. But I will be working with you from set-up until we are done and you are ready to frame.

With this course, you are getting:

  • Welcome package to get you started before we begin
  • 6 Modules dripped over 7 week period
  • 20 Separate Hi-Definition Video Lessons
  • PDF of over 160 pages covering all lessons
  • 2 Weekly live zoom sessions for Q&A/Personal Coaching and Open Studio sessions where you can work along with Joe himself as he recreates the portrait
  • Private member Facebook page
  • Bonuses

Here are just a few reasons why this course is perfect for YOU...

Step-by-Step Instruction

Joe Mattus' course is designed with beginners in mind. You'll receive clear, step-by-step instruction on the key techniques and approaches to portrait drawing. This means you can build your skills gradually and at your own pace. 

Personal Feedback and Support

With the course, you'll have the opportunity to receive personalized feedback and support from Joe Mattus himself. This means you can   ask questions, get feedback on your work, and learn from a true expert in the field.

Comprehensive Curriculum

The course covers everything from selecting your materials to the technical skills and artistic concepts necessary for creating accurate and realistic portraits. It includes study of anatomy and proportions of the head and face, the principals of light and shadow, and various shading techniques.

High-quality Video Lessons

The online course includes high-quality video lessons that walk you through each step of the process. You'll have the opportunity to view the lessons as often as you need to really understand the techniques and approaches, and to put them into practice.

Beginner-friendly Materials

This course includes recommendations for beginner-friendly materials so you don't have to worry about investing in expensive or hard-to-find tools. With these materials you'll focus on building your skills.

Lifetime Access

Once you enroll in the course, you'll have lifetime access to the materials, so you can refer back to the lessons and continue to hone your skills over time.

What my students say...

~Dan H.

"Taking Make Your Portrait Drawing Come to Life was a game-changer for me. I love the format of the course, and as a software engineer who works in web development, I’m astonished at how intuitive, easy to use, and well-developed the platform is. Joe Mattus is an incredible artist and instructor who helps students make huge gains in technical proficiency and knowledge.

What I didn’t expect was the progress I made in developing a healthier relationship with my art and myself. Most artists I know, myself included, struggle with self-criticism and unhealthy comparisons. Joe encourages us to leave that behind and focus on the joy of the process. He meets you where you’re at, gives the perfect critique, and inspires with glowing praise. Beginners and experts alike will benefit from his instruction."

AT PURCHASE

Welcome Module

Welcoming you is more than saying hello, glad you are here.  Here are some of the things you will find in your Welcome Package all before even before we begin:

  • Onboarding and objectives of the course
  • 4 videos
  • Learning terms commonly used
  • Materials commonly used in drawing
  • Learn about your instructor
  • High-resolution photo we will be using

After this module, We will be ready to begin our set-up.

MODULE 1

Drawing Techniques and Set-up

Now we begin. This module includes:

  • 3 Hi-Resolution Video Lessons
  • Learning 3 techniques in modeling
  • Using a single light source
  • Learn differences of photo reference vs direct observation
  • 2 Assignments
  • Bonus: exercise on creating a value scale
MODULE 2

Thumbnail Measuring

In this module learning where and how to begin a drawing is perhaps the most common question students have when learning a traditional drawing method.  In this module we will demonstrate exactly how to begin using the thumbnail method.

 This module includes:

  • 1 Hi-resolution Video Lesson
  • 1 Assignment
  • Create 1st portrait block-in using yourself as model
  • Learn various tools you can use

After this module, You will have learned how to accurately measure and why measuring is important.

MODULE 3

The Block-in

In this module you will learn how to set up a drawing in clear easy to understand steps. So many students gloss over this critical stage of drawing and experience unnecessary difficulties while developing their work.

This module includes:

  • 7 Hi-resolution video Lessons
  • Focusing on initial setup (rudimentary measurements)
  • Learning about Points, Tilts, and Shapes
  • Work on the eyes and other features and the importance of symmetry
  • Identifying light and dark shapes with set points
  • Learning how to refine a linear block-in without modeling at this point
  • Learning to diagnose problem areas in the block-in
MODULE 4

The Transfer Process

Why transfer our block-in? The ability to transfer our drawing onto another surface like watercolor paper allows for various applications in multiple mediums. Another benefit to a transfer is the placement of my drawing on an unblemished surface for easier modeling.

 This module includes:

  • 2 Hi-resolution Video Lesson
  • Why I choose the paper I use
  • Bonus: Toning your paper

After this module, you will have a pristine surface to work on and the light erasable lines will help you in the modeling to come.

MODULE 5

Form Modeling

When we created the linear block-in we had a procedure.  A structured way we proceeded with our drawing from the beginning, the middle, to the end.  The way we model our drawing has a structured approach.  We have a game plan on how we progress our modeling from beginning, middle, to the end.

NOW OUR PORTRAIT DRAWING IS BEGINNING TO SHOW SIGNS OF LIFE

This module includes:

  • 4 Hi-resolution video Lessons
  • Identify areas of the portrait in shadow and apply a flat value
  • Modeling the eyes beginning with one after the other to emphasize symmetry
  • We will make a main pass and continue modeling other features
  • Begin shaping the subforms
  • Will show how to add white chalk to the portrait.  You will find this is a very powerful addition
I'M READY TO JOIN WAITLIST

What more students said...

~Renee N.

"This course exceeded all my expectations. Joe’s patient and detailed teaching style helped me make more progress than I ever have in any other class. The interactive platform, combined with the freedom to revisit lessons, made even the toughest challenges manageable and helped me grow faster as an artist.

As an art teacher, I’ve gained techniques I can pass on to my students, and as an artist, I’ve taken a valuable step toward drawing portraits in proper proportion that truly resemble the person I’m drawing. Joe’s approach is thoughtful and inspiring, and his ability to guide you through the details makes all the difference. I can’t wait to take more classes with him!"

~Nicole C.

"I love Joe as a teacher and mentor! His pacing is inspiring and so worth the time it takes for impatient artists like myself. I am in awe of the knowledge and effectiveness this online course offered! Joe is an incredible teacher and artist. He truly understands the importance of the artist journey—the setbacks, the triumphs, and the impact of the mindset throughout.

He offers a compatible mentorship as an artist, which is so rare to find! Not to mention, the online structure he created really allows you to take your time and really engage with the content without stressing about it disappearing. I can’t wait to take more of his classes!"

HEY, I'm Joe!

From a young age, I learned that I could use my artistic talent to express myself in new and exciting ways. I can’t wait to help you uncover your inner creative.

 

Everyone has an artist inside. Some of us just need a little more help bringing that inner artist to life. Once you discover that side of yourself, you are free to be unapologetically you.

I believe my drawings and paintings not only make the world a better place, but they also shape the people who experience them in beautiful ways. Through online education, I can help you make your own impact on the world around you.

Whether you are a beginner or you are just looking to learn a new technique, I look forward to taking this creative journey together.

 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

 

Sign up Here

to be notified when we open registration.

There is no commitment by signing up on the waitlist.

But Wait...

Those on the waitlist will get 50% off our Private Student price of $599 and if you get on prior to Jan 15th you will get a coupon code for an extra $50 off. Yes that over $350 off.

 

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