MICHAEL SIMMS | INTRODUCTION TO PORTRAITURE – FROM CHARCOAL TO OIL PAINTING
Please click on the images below in the gallery to view the full photo
Monday 12 – Friday 16 January 2026
This workshop will teach you how to successfully bring a portrait to life. The week will begin with expressive drawing exercises, working with charcoal and observing light and dark to capture a likeness with speed. Students will complete studies of individual facial features and quick sketches before beginning a portrait on canvas with oil paints.
We will cover various painting techniques, from ‘alla prima’ to glazing and scumbling, the basics of colour theory, composition and how to structure and organise a palette to mix luminous flesh tones. Michael will complete a series of demonstrations and guide students step-by-step through his process, while providing individual feedback and talks throughout the sessions to help you unlock your own creative voice. It is suitable for all skill levels. All levels
This workshop will teach you how to successfully bring a portrait to life. The week will begin with expressive drawing exercises, working with charcoal and observing light and dark to capture a likeness with speed. Students will complete studies of individual facial features and quick sketches before beginning a portrait on canvas with oil paints.
We will cover various painting techniques, from ‘alla prima’ to glazing and scumbling, the basics of colour theory, composition and how to structure and organise a palette to mix luminous flesh tones. Michael will complete a series of demonstrations and guide students step-by-step through his process, while providing individual feedback and talks throughout the sessions to help you unlock your own creative voice. It is suitable for all skill levels. All levels
MICHAEL SIMMS Bio
Web michaelsimmsart.com
Instagram michaelsimmsart
Michael Simms is an interdisciplinary artist working and living on Gadigal Country whose work is centred on the human body and identity. His painting and drawing practice brings global historical narratives of portraiture and the nude figure into conversation with contemporary discourse, while his collaborations with other artists combine photography and video.
Michael completed a degree in psychology in Adelaide before winning a scholarship to study at Sydney’s Julian Ashton Art School. He is represented by Cato Gallery in Sydney and Flinders Lane Gallery in Melbourne and has held numerous exhibitions across the country. He has undertaken residencies at Bundanon and the New York Academy of Art, has been shortlisted for major art competitions including the Archibald Prize and is the winner of the Royal Art Society of NSW Young Artist Prize.
Instagram michaelsimmsart
Michael Simms is an interdisciplinary artist working and living on Gadigal Country whose work is centred on the human body and identity. His painting and drawing practice brings global historical narratives of portraiture and the nude figure into conversation with contemporary discourse, while his collaborations with other artists combine photography and video.
Michael completed a degree in psychology in Adelaide before winning a scholarship to study at Sydney’s Julian Ashton Art School. He is represented by Cato Gallery in Sydney and Flinders Lane Gallery in Melbourne and has held numerous exhibitions across the country. He has undertaken residencies at Bundanon and the New York Academy of Art, has been shortlisted for major art competitions including the Archibald Prize and is the winner of the Royal Art Society of NSW Young Artist Prize.
