Private Lessons in Painting and Drawing from Life

Learn to Draw and Paint from Life

If it isn’t possible for you to participate in a group course, private lessons are possible either in my private studio in Balduina or in the PADASOR studio in Trastevere.

In-studio lessons are €70 an hour.

Lessons on-site in the villas can be arranged for €80 an hour.

Important note: if you are interested in painting, the minimum time requirement is 4 lessons of 2.5 hours each.  For anything less, I can provide instruction in drawing.

Please review the information on this page to help you decide.

If you are interested, please contact us.

When you write, please indicate:

  • Which package interests you: drawing from life, painting from life, copying an old master or painting en plein air.
  • How many total lessons and hours.
  • Dates and times that work best for you.

Private Lessons:
Life Drawing

Minimum Time Requirement:

  • 1 Lesson
  • 2 hours per lesson

Cost:

  • €210 for one participant
  • Up to 14 total may participate; add €50 for each additional participant
  • Price includes instruction, model fee, paper and charcoal

Curriculum:

  • 1 pose for the two hours; the model poses for 20 minutes, then breaks for five
  • For the first session of 20 minutes I will do a demo and teach the following three steps:
  • Step 1: the gesture or the block in: a quick 2-minute sketch to asses the size and the big shapes
  • Step 2: boxing, meaning an analysis of form in geometric terms.  I also introduce the use of stick for the purpose of measuring and creating plumb lines
  • Step 3: the creation of light and shadow
  • For the remainder of the lesson I work with each student individually

Private Lessons:
The Fundamentals of Drawing

Minimum Time Requirement:

  • 4 Lessons
  • 2 hours per lesson
  • 8 hours total

Cost:

  • €560 for one participant
  • Up to 8 total may participate; add €350 for each additional participant
  • Price includes instruction, paper, eraser and charcoal

Curriculum:

  • Lesson 1 – Translating 3D to 2D
  • Lesson 2 – Light and shadow
  • Lesson 3 – Textures
  • Lesson 4 – Hierarchy

Private Lessons:
Painting the Portrait from Life in Rome

Minimum Time Requirement:

  • 4 Lessons
  • 2.5 hours per lesson
  • 10 hours total

Cost:

  • €890 for one.
  • Up to four may participate; add €400 for each additional participant.
  • Price includes instruction, model fee, paints and medium.
  • Not included: brushes and canvas.  Materials may be purchased in the art shop above the studio

Curriculum:

  • Lesson 1 – Drawing with charcoal, sealing the drawing to the canvas
  • Lesson 2 – Block in the lights and shadows
  • Lesson 3 – Skin tones
  • Lesson 4 – Finishing with a combination of glazing and alla prima

Private Lessons:
Copying the Old Masters

Minimum Time Requirement:

  • 6 Lessons
  • 2.5 hours per lesson
  • 15 hours total

Cost:

  • €1,050 for one.
  • Up to four may participate; add €400 for each additional participant.
  • Price includes instruction, print of painting, paints and medium.
  • Not included: brushes and canvas.  Materials may be purchased in the art shop above the studio

Curriculum:

  • Over the course of six lessons we will will discuss how the painting was made and follow a similar process.

Private Lessons:
Painting en Plein Air
in the Villas of Rome

Minimum Time Requirement:

  • 1 Lesson
  • 4 hours per lesson

Cost:

  • €320 for one.
  • Up to 4 may participate; add €175 for each additional participant.
  • Price includes instruction, paints, medium and an easel, on loan.
  • Not included: brushes and canvas.  Materials may be purchased in the art shop above the studio.

Gallery

Painting the Portrait

2026, April:
Maureen
4 lessons, 2.5 hours per lesson

Painting the Portrait

2026, April: Silvia Stella
Final touches to a group course portrait
1 lesson, 2 hours

Painting the Still-Life

2026, April: Patricia
4 lessons, 2.5 hours per lesson

Copying the Old Masters

2026, February to March: Diane
12 lessons, 2.5 hours per lesson

Painting the Portrait

2026, February: Shawn
4 lessons, 2.5 hours per lesson