Portrait Painting in Oil Without a Brain

Painting without a Brain 

Painting doesn’t have to be complicated! In this course you'll learn the essential techniques to create complex, finished paintings through simple, easy-to-follow steps - no experience required.

This course is rich in narrated demonstrations:

• 4 oil painting demos
• 2 digital painting demos
• 2 charcoal drawing demos
• 1 pastel demo

Developing Artistic Consistency

Designed with beginners in mind and drawing from my 40 years of professional experience, this course returns to the basics. I'll guide you step-by-step to quickly improve from little or no knowledge, just as I did as a student. I'll help you stop overthinking and focus on observation, allowing your art to flow naturally while building confidence and consistency. Using just four tubes of paint and a few brushes, you'll avoid years of trial and error. If you want to create art that feels real and alive, this course will turn your uncertainty into your greatest strength. 

I guide you through multiple portrait scenarios of varying complexity and subject matter, then teach you how to apply these concepts across different mediums. Additional demonstrations, such as digital painting, pastel, and charcoal drawing, are included to give context to the oil painting workflow.

Here's what you'll get:

1. Step-by-Step Guidance – I'll walk you through everything from selecting brushes and prepping your canvas to drawing and painting like a pro. You'll learn how to break down complex subjects into basic shapes and bring them to life through observation.

2. Hands-On Demonstrations – I won’t just talk about the techniques; I’ll show you how to apply them with 9 real time demonstrations. You'll watch me use the same tools to draw and paint a rugged cowboy and a graceful portrait, teaching you how to paint anything you see.

3. Easy-to-Understand Techniques – You’ll learn foundational skills like separating lights and shadows, squinting techniques, and mastering edges to transform simple sketches into polished works of art.

4. Color and Finishing Touches – Discover how to use color and finishing techniques to make your paintings pop and look realistic, whether it’s a portrait or a landscape.

Who am I?

Hi, I'm Morgan Weistling, and my artistic journey began at just 19 months old, eventually leading to formal training under Fred Fixler at the Art Institute in Los Angeles. After spending 14 years creating posters for Hollywood studios, I transitioned to fine art in 1998, where my work has since been nationally recognized. Drawing inspiration from America's pioneering spirit, I strive to evoke emotion through light, tone, and form, often using meticulously researched historical costumes.

Over the years, I've been honored with awards like the Prix de West, and my paintings have been featured in museums and highly sought after in the print market. I also express my Christian faith through my work, becoming the official annual print artist for Focus on the Family in 2019.

I'm excited to share my passion and techniques with you through my painting course, helping you discover your hidden artistic talents.