Painting on Copper: Portraits and Figures

Join Arthur Gain for this unique online course, where you'll learn and practice techniques for painting on copper, from creating patina effects to finishing a painting. Arthur will demonstrate the painting of a small portrait and a figure study using two different types of copper panels.

PLANS AND PRICING

What you’ll learn:

How to paint on bare copper while using the unpainted areas as decorative elements
How to create patina effects using easy-to-find tools and materials
How to analyze and simplify photo references to paint efficiently on relatively small panels
How to paint luminous skin tones
How to create expressive, gestural figure studies

🎁 TWO Exclusive Reference sets for your studio practice

Explore oil painting on copper with Arthur Gain, using the warmth and reflective character of the metal to create luminous skin tones and a strong sense of depth. The course brings together traditional painting techniques and the creative possibilities of exposed copper, patina, and texture.

The course also covers surface preparation, patina effects, and the choice of brushes, pigments, and mediums for working on metal. Paint along at your own pace, exploring how to make copper part of the composition, balance painted and exposed areas, and bring fine detail into a painting while preserving the freshness of a sketch.

Follow two complete demonstrations: a carefully rendered portrait and a more expressive figure study from the first layer to the finishing touches. Arthur shows how to build a light foundation, develop form and colour through successive layers, and combine delicate glazes with thicker, sculptural brushwork.

Watch the public preview excerpt from the course

What Students Are Saying:

I really enjoyed learning how to use copper thanks to Arthur. He was thorough in his explanation of the material, which pigments to use and why and in his demonstration of patinas. I liked that he created two very different pieces in the workshop so we can grasp the different possibilities offered by painting on copper.

Vanessa P.
"I enjoyed learning about copper, its characteristics and how to apply paint so it will bond. A very thorough explanation."

Liz Maynard
“First class.....excellent course... I learnt so much and Arthur was attentive to my progress, patient and super helpful with any issues I was having. I really appreciated the recordings and how information was easily accessible with it being divided into smaller lesson titles. ”

Pavllou Kokko, Sweden
“This was a very helpful bootcamp both in helping me ground my fundamentals, as a largely self-taught artist, but also to see how Arthur pushes away from the reference/model to make decisions as an artist.”

Martin, USA
“I loved the way Arthur explained so many techniques in detail and shared so many insights... All over my learning curve was very steep and I understood a lot more than what I ever did with just watching YouTube videos or studying books. There is not much to improve - it was really the best art instruction course I ever did”

Sigi Dannheimer
"This was such a wonderful learning experience; I’m saddened that it is over but excited to put all this new knowledge to work! Many thanks for being an exceptional instructor and thanks again to Kelsey, an amazing assistant."

Lori Barrison, USA
"Extremely helpful and thoroughly enjoyed it. The mixing of skin colors was the most beneficial and what colors can do on the canvas next to each other also."

Patrick Stacy, USA
"It was exactly what I needed as I had been away from painting portraits for a couple of years and although had been attempting on my own some self-doubt. This challenge gave me the tools to feel confident and new approaches to make it more interesting."

Santiago Perez
"Completely satisfied. This was my favorite course to date. The instruction was extremely clear and the step by step approach enabled me to build solid foundations and retain important information. I am quite slow and am still working my way through the course but knowing that I can work at my own pace has made the journey a rewarding experience."

Roda Fisher, UK
"It was very inspiring to take a part in this workshop! Arthur is a talented artist and a good teacher, he gives many explanations and answers guiding us through the process of painting. Seeing him painting demo was equally helpful and exciting."

Olena, Norway

Start Learning Now

Lifetime Access

$180

9 Hours of content
Downloadable video lessons

Fully narrated real time demos: the portrait and the figure. Bonus videos on how to create patina effects

2 Reference Sets for studio practice

Access to Alla Prima Academy community

BUY NOW

Pay in 3 monthly installments

Lifetime Access + Private Critique

$310

45 minutes Private Zoom Critique session with Arthur Gain

9 Hours of content

Fully narrated real time demos: the portrait and the figure. Bonus videos on how to create patina effects

2 Reference Sets for studio practice

Access to Alla Prima Academy community

BUY NOW

Pay in 3 monthly installments

No Sales Taxes or Extra Fees. 30-day money-back guarantee

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I get a copper panel for the course?

Copper surfaces are generally easy to source, and you do not need anything rare or custom-made.

The main option for the workshop is a pure copper plate, preferably around 18 gauge / 1 mm thick. These plates are commonly sold for etching and printmaking and can often be ordered online, including through Amazon, or purchased from local art supply/material suppliers. Arthur will use a 20×20 cm (8×8”) copper plate during the workshop, but smaller sizes such as 15×15cm or 5×7” will also work.

EUROPE:

Buy copper plate on Artemiranda (EU) | Jackson’s (UK&EU) | Amazon (DE) 15×15cm | LIST WILL BE UPDATED

US :

Buy copper plate on Amazon: 8×8in | 6×9in | Can also be 5×7” or 6×8”

Buy copper plate on Blick (US)

Copper composite panels (this option is mostly for US students due to shipping costs): Artefex

Copper plates and copper panels are mostly identical when it comes to the technique of paint application. The main difference lies in the process of creating the patina effect: copper plates are more versatile, allowing for different methods. If you can get both, we recommend trying both. (Arthur will do one demonstration on an Artefex panel and one on an etched copper plate.)

Is this Course good for beginners?

It is absolutely great for the beginners and for experienced painters alike. Arthur’s method ensures covering all essential fundamentals while demonstrating and explaining all (including advanced) aspects of painting with oils.

What is the difference between Lifetime Access and Lifetime Access + Private Critique?

The Lifetime Access option includes everything you need to participate in the workshop: all live sessions, demos, materials and assignments, a bonus figure reference pack, lifetime access to the recordings, ability to download the video files to watch without internet connection, and access to the Alla Prima Academy community.

The Lifetime Access + Private Critique option includes all of the above plus one 45-minute one-on-one Zoom critique session with Arthur Gain. This private session gives you the opportunity to receive personalized feedback on your work, ask questions, and accelerate your progress with Arthur’s direct guidance. Spots for this option are limited.

What type of paint do I need to paint on copper?

Oil paints.

What materials do I need for the Course?

A materials guide is provided as part of the course.

About Arthur Gain

Arthur Gain, based in Barcelona, Spain, is a self-taught oil painter with a diverse artistic journey. His works have been showcased in esteemed venues worldwide, including the MEAM in Spain, the Mesa Contemporary Arts Museum in the US, and the Museo La Contea Del Caravaggio in Italy.

Arthur is a winner and finalist of numerous international competitions, including the prestigious BoldBrush Award, finalist multiple times in competitions such as BoldBrush, ModPortrait, and ARC Salon.

Nowadays, Arthur focuses on personal projects and commissions for private and corporate clients. Additionally he continues to share his expertise with a broader audience both offline and online, including professional artists seeking to enhance their skills in oil painting and alla prima technique, as well as students at the Barcelona Academy of Art.

Website: arthurgain.com

Painting on Copper: Portraits and Figures

What you’ll learn:

🎁 TWO Exclusive Reference sets for your studio practice

Watch the public preview excerpt from the course

"I enjoyed learning about copper, its characteristics and how to apply paint so it will bond. A very thorough explanation."

“First class.....excellent course... I learnt so much and Arthur was attentive to my progress, patient and super helpful with any issues I was having. I really appreciated the recordings and how information was easily accessible with it being divided into smaller lesson titles. ”

“This was a very helpful bootcamp both in helping me ground my fundamentals, as a largely self-taught artist, but also to see how Arthur pushes away from the reference/model to make decisions as an artist.”

"This was such a wonderful learning experience; I’m saddened that it is over but excited to put all this new knowledge to work! Many thanks for being an exceptional instructor and thanks again to Kelsey, an amazing assistant."

"Extremely helpful and thoroughly enjoyed it. The mixing of skin colors was the most beneficial and what colors can do on the canvas next to each other also."

"It was exactly what I needed as I had been away from painting portraits for a couple of years and although had been attempting on my own some self-doubt. This challenge gave me the tools to feel confident and new approaches to make it more interesting."

"It was very inspiring to take a part in this workshop! Arthur is a talented artist and a good teacher, he gives many explanations and answers guiding us through the process of painting. Seeing him painting demo was equally helpful and exciting."