Portrait Painting and Drawing Classes for the Chicago Area

The only school in metro Chicago that specializes in portrait painting and drawing instruction through part-time art classes and intensive workshops.

Artist Richard Halstead has spent his entire professional career immersed in the subject of portraiture. He is a lecturer and the author of published articles on portraiture as a unique tradition and art form. He has painted commissioned portraits for public figures, universities, corporations and families in the Chicago area, New York, Toronto, and beyond. In teaching portrait drawing and painting, Halstead has attracted students from a broad spectrum of abilities and interests.

For more than 30 years the Halstead School of Portrait and Figure Art in Evanston has been a training ground for artists of all levels and a wide range of aspirations. Some students come to learn the techniques of the old masters while others seek to learn a new medium. Some are professional illustrators who want to hone their skills and understanding of the human face and anatomy. Others are novices or lapsed artists who wish to discover or rediscover their creativity under the tutelage of an excellent teacher who can provide individualized instruction that meets their personal objectives. The school’s educational environment combines teaching the skills and aesthetics of classical realism and composition with the freedom to work in a variety of styles, ranging from naturalistic realism to impressionistic treatments or even more abstract approaches.

Adult students may enroll for part-time classes during fall, winter and spring class sessions, or take a more intensive two or five day figure and portrait workshop during the summer. All classes and workshops include live models. Guidance is also available upon request for working artistically from photographic references. Students use a variety of media including oil, acrylic, pastel, charcoal and pencil.

The Halstead School of Portrait and Figure Art is located in Evanston, an arts and entertainment center of the North Shore and Chicago, at 1316 Sherman Avenue and is easily accessible by public transportation. Please note this new location as of July 2018.

New students: To arrange to visit the studio or take a complimentary 3-hour class, please email Richard Halstead at richard@halsteadportraits.com.