Bring a photograph to life in oil in this three-day workshop with artist Kara Lasiewicz. Working from a photo reference of a portrait or figure, you’ll explore a range of approaches and techniques, including direct and indirect painting methods.
You’ll start by building a planned palette, then adjust it as you grow more comfortable and curious about going beyond the photograph. Along the way, you’ll learn to use color relationships to show volume, form, luminosity, and texture, all while capturing a true likeness. You’ll also create an abstracted background that strengthens the composition, flow, balance, and readability of the finished piece.
All skill levels are welcome.
Class is limited to 10 students, so each painter gets individual attention.
Your photo reference
Students are encouraged to work from their own photo, but reference photos will also be available. Your image should be high quality, sharp, well lit, and printed on photo paper. If you’d like Kara to print it for you, email it to her at beauandkara@wmoca.org when you register, and no later than three days before the workshop begins, so she has time to adjust it if needed.
Instructor: Kara Lasiewicz
Medium: Oil
Level: All skill levels
Dates: Friday–Sunday, December 11–13, 2026
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. each day with a 1-hour break for lunch
Location: WMOCA
Tuition: $300 (students provide their own supplies)
Class size: Limited to 10
Supply List
Reference Image
A high-quality printed photo of a portrait or figure (see above)
Painting Surfaces
3 canvases or wood panels, gessoed and sanded smooth, in a variety of sizes (for example, 8 x 8 in., 12 x 12 in., and 14 x 14 in.). You may only get to two of the three, and that’s okay. You’ll try different techniques on different surfaces.
Oil Paints (any brand)
Titanium White
Lemon Yellow
Yellow Ochre
Burnt Sienna
Cadmium Red
Alizarin Crimson
Cobalt Blue
French Ultramarine
Burnt Umber
Optional colors Kara uses: Brilliant Yellow Light, Flesh, Rose Madder, Sap Green, Viridian, Turquoise, Violet Grey, and Turkey Umber. You’re welcome to add other colors you’d like to experiment with.
Brushes & Tools
A variety of brushes: long-handled flats and rounds in several sizes, with both stiff and soft bristles, and at least one larger and one smaller flat
Palette knife (trowel or wide blade preferred)
Non-traditional mark-making tools such as brayers, pottery ribs or kidneys, kitchen spatulas, or packing material. Anything you don’t mind getting paint on works, and experimentation is encouraged!
Palette
A palette for oils. A Masterson palette box works best for storage, ideally with a glass palette that fits inside (disposable palette sheets also work). A glass palette covered with plastic wrap is a good alternative.
Cleanup
Gamsol odorless mineral spirits
Brush cleaner container with a lid (a canning jar works in a pinch)
Paper towels (Viva or blue shop towels work best)
Latex gloves (optional)
Dawn dish soap
Lava soap bar (optional)
Bring a photograph to life in oil in this three-day workshop with artist Kara Lasiewicz. Working from a photo reference of a portrait or figure, you’ll explore a range of approaches and techniques, including direct and indirect painting methods.
You’ll start by building a planned palette, then adjust it as you grow more comfortable and curious about going beyond the photograph. Along the way, you’ll learn to use color relationships to show volume, form, luminosity, and texture, all while capturing a true likeness. You’ll also create an abstracted background that strengthens the composition, flow, balance, and readability of the finished piece.
All skill levels are welcome.
Class is limited to 10 students, so each painter gets individual attention.
Your photo reference
Students are encouraged to work from their own photo, but reference photos will also be available. Your image should be high quality, sharp, well lit, and printed on photo paper. If you’d like Kara to print it for you, email it to her at beauandkara@wmoca.org when you register, and no later than three days before the workshop begins, so she has time to adjust it if needed.
Instructor: Kara Lasiewicz
Medium: Oil
Level: All skill levels
Dates: Friday–Sunday, December 11–13, 2026
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. each day with a 1-hour break for lunch
Location: WMOCA
Tuition: $300 (students provide their own supplies)
Class size: Limited to 10
Supply List
Reference Image
A high-quality printed photo of a portrait or figure (see above)
Painting Surfaces
3 canvases or wood panels, gessoed and sanded smooth, in a variety of sizes (for example, 8 x 8 in., 12 x 12 in., and 14 x 14 in.). You may only get to two of the three, and that’s okay. You’ll try different techniques on different surfaces.
Oil Paints (any brand)
Titanium White
Lemon Yellow
Yellow Ochre
Burnt Sienna
Cadmium Red
Alizarin Crimson
Cobalt Blue
French Ultramarine
Burnt Umber
Optional colors Kara uses: Brilliant Yellow Light, Flesh, Rose Madder, Sap Green, Viridian, Turquoise, Violet Grey, and Turkey Umber. You’re welcome to add other colors you’d like to experiment with.
Brushes & Tools
A variety of brushes: long-handled flats and rounds in several sizes, with both stiff and soft bristles, and at least one larger and one smaller flat
Palette knife (trowel or wide blade preferred)
Non-traditional mark-making tools such as brayers, pottery ribs or kidneys, kitchen spatulas, or packing material. Anything you don’t mind getting paint on works, and experimentation is encouraged!
Palette
A palette for oils. A Masterson palette box works best for storage, ideally with a glass palette that fits inside (disposable palette sheets also work). A glass palette covered with plastic wrap is a good alternative.
Cleanup
Gamsol odorless mineral spirits
Brush cleaner container with a lid (a canning jar works in a pinch)
Paper towels (Viva or blue shop towels work best)
Latex gloves (optional)
Dawn dish soap
Lava soap bar (optional)
