Portrait Painting Masterclass
In this online course, I’ll guide you step by step through how I create layered, expressive portraits—using approachable techniques, playful experimentation, and simple materials.
While I paint in a loose, whimsical style, this class isn’t about copying my process. It’s about helping you explore portraiture in a way that feels personal, intuitive, and truly your own. You’ll build a series of watercolor and mixed-media portraits that become a springboard for your unique creative voice.
The classroom is self-paced with Lifetime Access—including downloadable Q&A videos and a supportive community—so you can move through the lessons in your own time, with space to return whenever you need.
Course Description
WHAT: An online, self-paced workshop focused on painting expressive women’s faces—especially the eyes. Through watercolor sketches and layered mixed-media portraits, you’ll develop a reliable creative practice you can return to again and again. Most lessons can be completed in 30 minutes or less, making it easy to fit into your day.
WHEN: The lessons are completely self-paced with Lifetime Access. You can log in anytime and move through the course in a way that works for your life and schedule.
WATERCOLOR PAINTINGS: Gentle, daily paintings—each under 10 minutes—to help you stay connected to your creativity. Think of them as meditative warm-ups or joyful practices to inspire your own path.
LAYERED MIXED MEDIA PAINTINGS: Learn my latest techniques for creating vibrant, layered portraits using approachable mixed media. All in under 30 minutes a session.
COMMUNITY & SUPPORT: You’ll be invited to a private Facebook group—a friendly, encouraging space to share your art, ask questions, or simply connect with other creatives.
You’ll also have access to pre-recorded Q&A videos where I answer common questions about process, supplies, and mindset.
FORMAT: High-definition video lessons, closed-captioned and housed in a private online classroom. You’ll have Lifetime Access, so you can revisit the content anytime.
PRICING: $490 Or 3 monthly payments of $190
Once you register, you’ll receive an email with your class login.
If you don’t see it, feel free to reach out:info@juliettecrane.com
Please note: Because this is a digital class with instant access, no refunds are offered after purchase.
“I couldn't wait every day to see the next lesson and drive into my paints. I found a lot of freedom and joy in the process of creating these paintings."
"I loved everything about this class! Painting faces has been something I've shied away from, as they seemed so intimidating before. But Juliette made the process so easy, AND FUN! I have learned so much and actually LIKE what I painted! I have joy in painting faces now!"
"This class style really accelerated my ability to lean into my style rather than trying to follow step-by-step instructions with the goal of replicating what Juliette made."
"I simply LOVED this class. I never could imagine that I'd ever be able to create these great ladies. Your instruction and the repetition in the daily painting sections made me so much more confident and able."
"I LOVED your portrait painting class so much and feel such gratitude. I'm not a morning person by nature—at all—but each day at 5:50 a.m., it was a joy to wake to my alarm clock and know that it was time to see what that day's new lesson would bring."
What Will I Learn?
This course is here to help you build a painting practice that feels joyful, steady, and true to you.
Through short, approachable lessons—like daily watercolor sketches and layered mixed-media portraits—you’ll find ways to make space for art, even on the busiest days.
Together, we’ll focus on:
*Developing your own style
*Growing confidence and motivation
*Trusting the creative process
*Letting go of perfection and welcoming play
You’ll be gently guided toward painting expressive portraits—especially women’s faces—in a way that feels personal and free.
Whether you’re just beginning or looking to reconnect with your creativity, this class offers a soft place to land. If you’re feeling overwhelmed or uninspired, it’s here to bring you back to joy.
Weeks At A Glance
This course blends watercolor and mixed media—each lesson designed to help you simply begin, follow what feels good, and keep painting.
You’ll have:
- 21 watercolor lessons using watercolor and water-soluble pencil—each under 10 minutes
- 11 mixed media portrait lessons using high-flow acrylics, pencil, inks, and paint pens—most under 1 hour
- Bonus background lessons that guide you through painting expressive first layers
Each week builds gently on the one before, giving you a rhythm to follow—while still leaving plenty of room to go at your own pace.
Week 1
Watercolor warm-ups and portrait sketches
Prepping your canvas and painting backgrounds
Your first layered mixed media portrait (in under 30 minutes)
Week 2
Q&A video
More watercolor portraits
Layering new mixed media techniques
New portraits, new expressions
Week 3
Watercolor portraits
Deeper focus on painting women’s eyes and faces
More layered mixed media portraits, under 30 minutes
Week 4
Final Q&A
Finishing portraits with new mixed media techniques
Adding details and depth to bring your faces to life
Make More Time for Your Art
Imagine having a steady, approachable process for painting women’s faces—so you feel more confident, less stuck, and more connected to your creativity.
In this course, you’ll explore a variety of techniques to help you move through blocks, loosen up, and deepen your own unique style.
You’ll discover the rhythm I return to again and again for painting expressive, layered portraits—one that you can adapt and make your own.
By the end of class, you’ll know how to:
*Begin with ease
*Find your flow
*Know when to pause or call a painting finished
*And most of all—trust yourself in the process
You’ll have more time for your art. And you’ll know just where to begin.
My Story
For years, I stopped painting.
Most of my artwork ended up in the basement—or the trash.
I kept thinking: What’s the point of making all this art if no one wants to see it?
I went to college to study biology, but I couldn’t stay away from the art room. After graduating, I worked as an arts journalist, writing for newspapers and magazines. Over the years I tried so many creative jobs—photographer, graphic designer, floral designer, website developer—but nothing truly lit me up the way painting did.
Then in the summer of 2009, I lost the first job I ever really loved—landscaping.
To heal my spirit, I went back to what I adored most as a child: cutting out outfits for characters and making up their stories.
That same summer, my sister-in-law gave me a few beautiful vintage wallpaper books. I fell in love with the colors, the textures, the patterns. I knew I had to create something with that gorgeous paper—and that’s when my whimsical paintings began.
Painting has always been a healing process for me.
But even now, I still have to quiet the inner critic, especially when I face the blank page or don’t know what to paint next.
That’s why I created this course—not to teach you how to paint like me, but to offer the same kind of support and encouragement that helped me find my way back to joy. I hope these lessons give you space to explore, play, and trust your own creative path.
What Materials Will I Need?
Once you register, you’ll receive a full supply list with links to my favorite brands and helpful details.
We’ll be working with simple, easy-to-find supplies that let you get started right away. You can add to your collection as you go, or use what you already have in your creative practice.
Here’s what you’ll need to begin:
- Titanium White Acrylic Paint (medium or heavy-body)
- High Flow Acrylics — 3 colors: Quinacridone Nickel Azo Gold, Teal, Green Gold
- Acrylic Ink — 1 color: Yellow Orange Azo
- Water-soluble Paint Pens — 2 colors: Fluorescent Pink, White
- Water-soluble Pencil — Black
- Canvas — 11″ x 14″
- Sketchbook — 9″ x 12″
- Watercolors — a simple Crayola set works well
- Brushes — 4 main brushes: Round 0, Round 3, 2 flat brushes
Optional supplies:
Oil paintsticks (Titanium White and Turquoise), additional brushes (wide or utility brushes), and extra colors for painting backgrounds like Cadmium Yellow acrylic ink or Fluorescent Pink High Flow acrylic paint.
Starting was a big milestone for me, but once I did, it became my savior! I’d say that if anyone out there is looking for an online class that gets you just ‘doing’ instead of ‘thinking’ this is the one for you. At last I’ve found the style of art that I absolutely love and even though I can’t draw for peanuts I’ve been happy with the pieces that I’ve created – thanks to the amazing guidance of Juliette who has the most lovely teaching style.
Juliette is very giving with her time in class, she is always available to offer help and support when needed and adds encouraging comments.
Juliette’s class has been a true catalyst for the artist within!
Juliette shares all she knows so that her students can start (or continue) their creative journey.
You have given me the tools to help me develop my creativity and the confidence to continue.
Art was what I loved growing up…
But after college, I felt like my creativity didn’t matter, so I stopped painting for over ten years.
I used to think creating had to be constant to matter. But now I see that not creating was what held me back and dimmed my spirit.
My hope is that by sharing my creative process, you’ll feel more connected and supported as you paint—and find more joy and happiness in your everyday life.
This course is for anyone who wants to nurture their creativity, no matter where you are on your artistic journey. Whether you’re just beginning or looking to deepen your practice, you’re welcome here.
I look forward to meeting you in class!
Video Sneak Peek
In these class videos, I’ll guide you step-by-step through my painting process. You’ll see me make mistakes—and how I fix them—so you can feel free to be loose, playful, and confident in your own art.
In this video sneak peek you’ll see a preview of one of the daily watercolor portrait projects from class.
In this sneak peek you’ll see one of the daily watercolor portraits we create and lots of the other portraits we’ll be painting in class .
In this video sneak peek you’ll see a preview of one of the daily watercolor portrait projects from class.
In this video sneak peek you’ll see a preview of one of the daily watercolor portrait projects from class.
Juliette provides a great combination of technique and inspiration, as well as a fun glimpse into her inner artist and what it is like to be an artist.
I appreciate learning techniques and applying them in my own way and Juliette’s style of teaching really facilitates this.
I had a fear of faces and now I can’t stop painting them.
The class group has been so fun! All the lovely comments and art from co-students has been a joy for me.
Best instruction. So very detailed and easy to follow along.
HAVE MORE QUESTIONS?
When is this course?
The lessons are self-paced with Lifetime Access, so you don’t need to be online at a certain time, you can access each lesson whenever it works for you to accomodate your own schedule.
How long do I have access to the course?
This course is 100% online and you’ll have lifetime access, so you can access all of the content at any time, day or night.
I’ve never taken an online course. How does it work?
This is an online painting class. so everything is 100% online. Once you register, you will receive the login and password needed to access the class’s private website. The class website consists of a private classroom (where lessons are posted in the form of text, videos and photos), and a private Facebook Group where students share their work, offer support and encouragement, and I give feedback and answer questions.
How Do I Sign up?
You can sign up by clicking the register button on this page to proceed with your payment. If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to email me at info@juliettecrane.com
What If I’ve taken one of your other online courses…will I still learn something new?
Absolutely! This course includes my most recent techniques and new templates for my creative practice, so if you’ve already taken another class with me, this will take everything A LOT further in new and simple ways.
Do I have to complete every project?
Not at all. I recommend going at your own pace and choosing the projects and techniques that you have the most fun with. That said, I put a lot of care into every project, so if you complete each one, I know you’ll learn even more and really develop your style.
Do I need to buy all of the supplies?
Not at all. I only have a few supplies and brands that I recommend in particular because I’ve found they work best together. You’ll only need an iphone, scanner, or camera if you want to share your work in the private Facebook Group.
Can I share the workshop site, info and videos with a friend?
Please keep in mind, I have really put all my heart into this workshop and I’d really appreciate it if you didn’t share the links with anyone who has not paid for the course.
Do I need to know how to paint, draw, or be artistic?
You don’t need any painting experience or expensive art supplies to take this class – all you really need are a few paints and brushes (your hands work just fine) and an openness to play. The lessons are designed to make creating fun, easy and completely un-intimidating. I also design my courses with busy people in mind, so it’s easy for you to focus on what you’d really like to learn when you have the time. Whether you haven’t painted since you were in kindergarten or if you’re an avid crafter or artist looking to learn new techniques, this class is for you. There’s a private Facebook Group for students to connect, share, support and learn from each other. All in an encouraging and friendly environment. I am always available to answer questions and provide feedback in our private Facebook Group.
Do I have to post my work to the private Facebook Group?
You definitely do not have to participate in the private Facebook Group. However, even if you’re not ready to share your own work, once you’ve registered, you can just join and observe… it really is the perfect way to see what others are working on, having trouble with, and to inspire and be inspired by others in my painting classes. This is a totally private, safe, positive and encouraging group. And I wouldn’t have it any other way!
Can I get additional critique from you?
Of course. I’ll be here to make comments and give feedback whenever you need while you’re in class.
What if I get behind?
Please don’t feel rushed. You have time to work at your own pace.
Can I share my work on my blog, FB page, Instagram, etc?
Absolutely! If you are posting artwork that has been inspired by my work or created in my classes, please tag @juliettecrane, mention me as an influence along with the class you’re taking (in the first part of your description) and it’s always nice when you also provide a link back to my website (https://www.juliettecrane.com). And if you do share your artwork, I’d love to know about it, so please tag me #juliettecrane
Can I give this course as a gift?
Of course. Just email me at info@juliettecrane.com
Can I use my ipad?
Yes, all of the videos and lessons are ipad compatible.
Can I sell originals or reproductions of the work I create from this workshop?
I kindly ask that you use good judgement when doing so. If you take what you learn from what I share, be sure to add your personality and make it into your own. If you have questions about whether your artwork is created in your own style, please feel free to email me at info@juliettecrane.com
If you’re selling originals or reproductions of something similar to one of my characters or class projects, please also mention my name and the class you’ve taken as your influences in your shop listing and/or on social media and include a link to juliettecrane.com.
Can I use the work I create from this workshop for publication or submissions?
I kindly ask that you use good judgement when doing so. If you take what you learn from what I share, be sure to add your personality and make it into your own.
If you are entering your work for publication or any other submission, please be sure you have infused the artwork with your own original ideas.
If you’re selling originals or reproductions of something similar to one of my characters or class projects, please also mention my name and the class you’ve taken as your influences in your shop listing and/or on social media and include a link to juliettecrane.com.
Are payment plans available?
Please contact me about payment plan options.
Have another question?
As always, I’m happy to answer any questions that come up. Feel free to connect with me HERE.
Juliette shows you how to play and change and be brave with your artwork. I felt free to jump in and experiment because Juliette models that behavior in her lessons; so I knew that was the best way to find my girls and my style. It helped me embrace the idea of myself as a talented artist. I will take any course you offer, because I know you give it all and that spirit is powerful.
Sometimes I get stuck and often I wonder how I can be sure to paint something really ugly and awkward. But that’s something I’ve learnd from you: to let go, LET IT BE, to relax and to be patient.
This class has been the best experience ever! I love how Juliette teaches. I love that there are no hard & fast rules, and I love the fact that even scribbles look like art. The best thing about this course, is that I can share it with my 5 children (well, the baby is too little yet; but she loves to watch). I am a homeschooler, and my 3 girls & son cannot wait for our weekly “art classes” with Juliette.
I especially like the fact that you embrace when you make mistakes, when things are not working, and then explain your thought process when you fix them. I have discovered that when I teach like this in my classroom, my students are quicker to embrace their own mistakes and learn how to problem solve! Thank you for teaching in this way because it’s how I learn best…by fixing my mistakes!
Juliette’s class was so inspiring the way she creates her backgrounds and her characters. She taught me to sketch (I didn’t think I could do that). I thought each time I wanted to draw something, I had to find something to copy... no way could I just put pencil to paper and come up with something. WRONG! I CAN!!!