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BETH HAS BEEN FEATURED IN, TAUGHT AT, AND HAS WORKED WITH THESE COMPANIES...
SUSAN A.
Student Work
"I could work this to death and it's becoming muddy so I think time to stop. So fun even tho I see some mistakes. Excited for the next one! love this class so much I'm not getting my housework done! 😂

Welcome to the Portrait Painting Diagnosis!
If you're experiencing any of the common portrait painting challenges, I'm here to help. Think of this Q&A as your personal symptom checker. By answering a few questions about what's holding you back, I'll be able to guide you to the solutions that are just right for you. Let's get started and help you achieve the beautiful, realistic portraits you've been dreaming of!

What brings you here today?
I don't know what materials to use to make my portraits look more realistic.
Think of painting a realistic portrait as baking a delicious loaf of bread. The right ingredients, in the right proportions and combined in the right way, are crucial to the final result. The same is true for portrait painting. Different materials can make a huge difference in the final look of your artwork, much like the type of flour used in baking can affect the texture of the bread.
That's why in Step Two of "Realistic Portraits for Beginners," entitled, "Mastering Your Materials," we'll dive into the ingredients of your portrait painting - the materials you use. I'll show you how to choose the right materials for your desired result and provide tips on how to use them for the best outcome. By the end of this step, you'll be confident in your ability to mix and blend the right materials to create stunning, realistic portraits, just like a master baker combines ingredients to make the perfect loaf of bread.
I don't know how to mix flesh tones for various skin colors.
Have you ever looked at a painting and felt like it was missing something, but you couldn't quite put your finger on it? For me, the missing piece was always color. I struggled with getting my portraits to look lifelike because I didn't understand how color/hue, color mixing, transparency, opacity, and layering affected the overall quality of the portrait from foreground to background.
In Step Three of "Realistic Portraits for Beginners," entitled, “Color Mixing Made Easy”, I will guide you through the essentials of color theory and show you how to use it to bring your portraits to life. You will learn how to create depth, interest and mood in your portraits by adjusting the transparency and opacity of your paint, and how layering color affects the final result. By mastering these techniques, you will be able to confidently mix your paint colors and create stunning, lifelike portraits.
I don't know how to make facial proportions accurate and lifelike.
Facial proportions are the foundation of a realistic portrait, and it can be discouraging when they don't look accurate. However, painting is a unique art form that requires more than just accurate proportions. It involves an understanding of values, texture, color, and the building of layers. While good drawing skills can help, they are not the only key to success in portrait painting.
In "Realistic Portraits for Beginners," Step Four, “Perfect Proportions,” you'll learn how to achieve accurate proportions with confidence, even if you don't feel confident in your drawing skills. I'll share my favorite tools and techniques to help you get the perfect proportions, and show you how to make quick decisions about what needs correction. I'll also delve into the secret tools used by the masters and share alternative approaches to help you overcome any challenges and reach your full potential as a portrait painter.
I don't know how to make my portrait look three dimensional.
Imagine you're in a room with no windows and no lights. You have no idea if the room is big or small, if it's empty or filled with objects, or even if there's anyone else in the room with you. Without light and shadow, you lack information on what's around you and how far away they are, their size and shape. However, with the presence of both light and shadow, we can fully grasp what's in the room and understand the depth, texture, and scale of the objects and shapes around us.
Light and shadow are like yin and yang in painting. Light provides depth, texture, and form, while shadow adds a sense of scale and dimension. With just one light source, such as a window, it's relatively easy for new artists and painters to grasp, but what happens when there are multiple light sources like a table lamp, computer screen, neon light, and fluorescent light? To become a realistic portrait painter, you need to take into consideration not just one light source, but all the lights and shadows that your subject matter comes into contact with. This can be overwhelming for new artists, but it doesn't have to be.
In Step Five of “Realistic Portraits for Beginners,” entitled “Building Your Underpainting,” I will go over the basics of creating depth and dimension by utilizing the power of light and shadow in a way that is explained in a simple, easy-to-understand manner. I will also provide you with an in-depth look at the importance of underpainting, as well as tips and tricks to help you make your portraits look more three-dimensional. By mastering these techniques, you will be able to confidently paint portraits with more realistic depth and dimension.
I don't know how to make the skin look smooth and glowing- like it's alive!
Creating smooth and glowing skin that appears alive in a portrait can be challenging, but it's not impossible. The key to achieving this effect lies in mastering specific steps, materials, and techniques. Techniques that were once secret to Renaissance master painters are still highly regarded today and can help you bring your portraits to life.
In "Lit from Within Glazing," Step Six of "Realistic Portraits for Beginners," I'll share with you the secrets to creating depth, shadows, and highlights that will make your skin appear lit from within. You'll discover the materials I use and understand the importance of each in achieving this desired effect.
You will discover how to add luminosity to your portraits and make the skin look smooth, radiant, and full of life. This will elevate the realism and impact of your paintings and make them truly stand out. By the end of this step, you will have a solid understanding of how to bring your portraits to life and make them look truly three-dimensional.
I don't know how to paint hair, eyelashes, or other details in my portraits.
Bringing life to your portraits through intricate details like hair, eyelashes, and other features can be a challenge for beginner artists. Too many details can make a portrait look jarring, while too few details can result in a cartoonish appearance. Finding the right balance between detail and simplicity is essential for creating realistic and lifelike portraits.
In Step Seven, "Realistic Rendering," you will master the art of rendering. I will guide you through the process of determining which details are crucial to creating the illusion of depth and dimension in your portraits. You will learn techniques to enhance the realism of your subjects, including how to use colors, details, and perspective to make your portrait "pop." Additionally, I will provide tips and tricks for rendering hair, eyelashes, and other features with precision and finesse. To complete the process, we will also explore the crucial role that value, contrast, and texture play in rendering facial features.
I feel like I'm lost every time I start a new portrait painting.
Starting a new portrait painting can be a daunting task, especially if you're feeling lost and don't know where to begin. When I began my journey as a portrait painter, I found myself constantly experimenting with new styles, materials, paint colors, and brushes in the hopes of discovering the secret to taking my art to the next level. It wasn't until I developed a structured painting process that I was able to create the paintings of my dreams. A structured painting process takes the guesswork out of knowing what to do next, what materials to use, or how to achieve a certain effect. In turn, my structured painting process gave me the freedom to finally focus on the content of my piece and the story I wanted to tell, while achieving professional-looking results.
In my experience, having a structured painting process is key to overcoming the feeling of being lost every time you start a new portrait painting. This process can help you achieve consistent, high-quality results, freeing you to focus on the artistic expression and creativity that you want to bring to your work. And remember, a reliable painting process doesn't limit your artistic freedom; in fact, it provides you with more opportunities to explore your creativity and imagination.
In Step Eight, "Practicing Painting Portraits", students will have the opportunity to watch and learn from SIX PORTRAIT PAINTING DEMONSTRATIONS. These demonstrations have been broken down into bite-sized videos that highlight one step of the painting process at a time. To further enhance the learning experience, I will also be providing screen-on-screen commentary in the videos, discussing the techniques I am using, sharing mistakes I've made and tips for overcoming them, providing technical advice, and offering other important insights into the painting process.
In addition to the video demonstrations, students will also have the opportunity to practice what they have learned by painting the same portrait demonstrations that I paint in the 6 portrait painting demonstration videos. To make this process as smooth as possible, all reference photo downloads for the portraits are provided within the course. By taking on these demonstrations, students will be able to practice the painting process as many times as possible, allowing them to grow as artists and gain a deeper understanding of how to create realistic portraits. This level of hands-on practice is rare in portrait painting courses and provides a unique opportunity for students to develop their skills and refine their techniques.
I don't know where to go to have my portrait painting questions answered.
I understand the challenges that come with finding the right community of artists to grow with. It can be a lonely and intimidating experience to work on your portraits in isolation, and it's not always easy to find the right group of people who understand where you're coming from.
As a portrait artist myself, I know how difficult it can be to find a group of people who share your medium, process, and style of painting. It can also feel intimidating to put your work out there to be judged and compared by others. That's why in Step Nine, "Troubleshoot, Share and Critique", I've made it a priority to create a supportive community for my students in the 2023 version of Realistic Portraits for Beginners. In this step, we have our own online community where students can share their experiences, ask questions, and receive group coaching. The positive impact of learning in a group setting is well documented, and I'm excited to see how this community will help my students grow and improve their painting skills. I understand how challenging it can be to find a like-minded community, and that's why I'm proud to provide this resource for my students.
I'm overwhelmed and I don't know where to start.
It can feel overwhelming to think about learning realistic portrait painting and it can be hard to know where to begin. That's why I created this course, as a way for you to access the essential painting process I have developed over the past 20 years. This process has enabled me to become a professional artist, creating art for television, film, celebrities, and influencers. It has also given me the opportunity to teach art to people of all ages, from 3-year-olds to 89-year-olds, and everyone in between.
Through this course, you will learn the painting process that has revolutionized my work and empowered me to achieve amazing results every time I create a portrait. With this process, the possibilities are endless. Imagine being able to create stunning, lifelike portraits that capture the essence of your subject. Imagine being able to sell your art, or having your work displayed in galleries. Imagine being able to express yourself in a whole new way and bring your art to the world. This process is your key to unlocking the life of an artist, and I can't wait to see what you'll do with it.
So, if you're ready to step out of your comfort zone and live the life you've always dreamed of, then scroll down and begin the painting process today. I'll be with you every step of the way, guiding you through the essentials of painting realistically. Good luck!
Get a Preview of Realistic Portraits for Beginners
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Meet the Process


PHASE ONE: FOUNDATION
Foundation Phase (Steps 1, 2, and 3): This phase lays the foundation for your painting process and sets the stage for the rest of your learning journey.

PHASE TWO: BUILD
Build Phase (Steps 4, 5, and 6): In this phase, you'll take your skills to the next level as you learn how to add depth, dimension and texture to your paintings. You'll build upon the foundation you established in the first phase, as you develop your own painting style.

PHASE THREE: TRANSFORM
Transform Phase (Steps 7, 8, and 9): In the final phase, you'll learn how to take your paintings to the next level, adding the finishing touches that will truly transform your work. You'll refine your skills and gain the confidence to create stunning portraits that capture the essence of your subjects.

The Learning Guide
the learning guide
THE LEARNING GUIDE
Your journey to painting portraits like a pro starts with the included 39-page digital learning guide. This guide serves as a roadmap for ‘Realistic Portraits for Beginners’ and will help you stay on track and ensure that you don't miss a step in the learning process.
Throughout the guide, you'll find helpful tips, step-by-step instructions, and detailed explanations of the painting process, making it easy to follow along and understand the lessons. The guide is yours to keep, and you can refer to it anytime you need a refresher on what you've learned.
Whether you're a complete beginner or have some prior experience, this guide will provide you with the structure and support you need to take your portrait painting skills to the next level. So, get ready to roll up your sleeves, grab your brush, and let's get started!
Join the Community of Artists
One of the key benefits of enrolling in "Realistic Portraits for Beginners" is access to our community of artists. This is a supportive and inclusive environment where students can connect with one another, share their progress, and get feedback and advice on their work. Whether you are a complete beginner or an experienced artist, our community is the perfect place to connect with others who share your passion for portrait painting.
Here are just a few of the benefits of joining our community:
01

Network With Like-Minded Individuals
Meet and connect with other students who are passionate about portrait painting and learning more about the art form. Share your work, get feedback, and offer support to others in the community.
02

Access to Exclusive Resources
Our community provides access to exclusive resources, including live Q&A sessions with me, artist showcases, and more. These resources are designed to help you get the most out of your learning experience and improve your skills as a portrait painter.
03

Inspiration and Motivation
Surrounding yourself with like-minded individuals is a great source of inspiration and motivation. By connecting with others in the community, you'll stay motivated and inspired as you work to reach your goals and improve your skills as an artist.
04

Opportunities for Growth
The community offers opportunities for growth, both as an artist and as a person. Share your progress, receive feedback, and engage in meaningful conversations with other students.
Course Navigation Sneak-Peek
What Does it Look Like Inside the Course?
Take the first step in your painting journey with confidence. With our navigation video, you can get a sneak peek into what the course platform looks like, before you even start. This video will help you feel comfortable and familiar with navigating the course, so you can focus on what truly matters - creating beautiful paintings.
SIX PORTRAIT DEMONSTRATIONS
The 6 portrait demonstrations included in Step 8 of "Realistic Portraits for Beginners" are truly a rare and valuable gem for aspiring portrait artists. Not only will you be able to watch highly-produced video lessons of Beth painting portraits, but you'll also have the opportunity to practice what you've learned by painting the same portraits yourself.






Here's How it Works:
You'll watch the video demonstrations of Beth painting unique subjects of various ages, skin tones, and genders, and then it's your turn to pick up your brush and put the lessons into practice. And, to make sure you have all the tools you need to succeed, Beth will also provide commentary throughout the video that breaks down each step of the painting process.
This type of personalized instruction and hands-on practice is truly rare to find in online portrait painting courses. In most other courses, you'll only receive one or two portrait demonstrations. But with "Realistic Portraits for Beginners," you'll have six opportunities to practice and perfect your skills.
And that's not all - you'll also be learning two slightly different approaches to painting each portrait. This means that if you ever get stuck or need a new approach, you'll have a backup technique to try. By learning both techniques, you'll be even better equipped to work through common painting challenges and truly succeed as a portrait artist.
Check out Realistic Portrait's Student, Lizzette Sangster's work!

MAXIMIZE YOUR LEARNING:
COURSE DURATION (10-12+ Weeks)
This pre-recorded course offers the flexibility to watch the video lessons at any time and at your own pace, for the lifetime of the course. However, we recommend setting a manageable schedule that keeps you on track and prevents you from feeling overwhelmed.
Watch the Lessons
15 Days
Our recommended timeline is 15 days for watching the video lessons, with each session rarely exceeding an hour.
Watch | Minutes | Day |
Step 1 | 36 | 1 |
Step 2 | 38 | 2 |
Step 3 | 57 | 3 |
Step 4 | 42 | 4 |
Step 5 | 63 | 5 |
Step 6 | 45 | 6 |
Step 7a | 46 | 7 |
Step 7b | 46 | 8 |
Portait 1 a | 49 | 9 |
Portrait 1b | 49 | 10 |
Portrait 2 | 48 | 11 |
Portrait 3 | 44 | 12 |
Portrait 4 | 51 | 13 |
Portrait 5 | 43 | 14 |
Portrait 6 | 52 | 15 |
Practice Portrait Painting
10-12+ Weeks
For practicing portrait paintings, we suggest dedicating 1-2 weeks for each portrait demonstration, focusing on improvement over perfection. You will see your portraits progress with each completed painting, and your final portrait will serve as a testament to your progress.
Portrait 1 | 2 weeks |
Portrait 2 | 2 weeks |
Portrait 3 | 1 week |
Portrait 4 | 1 week |
Portrait 5 | 1-2 weeks |
Portrait 6 | 1-2 weeks |
Community
Available Anytime
In addition to the pre-recorded lessons, the community will be available at any time to ask questions and get additional support.
MEET BETH GATZA
Meet Beth Gatza, a professional artist with over 20 years of experience in the industry. Her artwork has been featured on television (Miracle Workers on TBS), and in films, and has been sought after by influencers with millions of followers. As an art teacher, Beth has worked with high-profile clients and celebrities and has taught art in prestigious private schools in Los Angeles. She has been teaching art to students for many years, ranging from ages 3 to 89.
Beth's passion for the arts also extends to her work in film. She spent 7 years working in the film industry's art department and attended film school, bringing a level of care and dedication to filming and editing the lessons in this course. Her biggest passion, however, is helping others to pursue their dreams, and she believes there's nothing better than assisting others in their creative endeavors. With Beth as your guide, you'll have the tools, skills, and support you need to take your art to the next level.
"I am a High School Art teacher - so many artists sell courses but it's often watching someone painting. You explain and TEACH. The ability to teach is a different sort of "art". It's a rare thing to find an artist who can teach..."
-Laurajean D.T. (Student)
Trusted by Over 200 Students!
What Our Students Say
FAQ
Q: WHO IS THIS COURSE FOR?
A: Realistic Portraits for Beginners is a course for anyone who wants to learn how to paint portraits. Whether you’re starting from scratch or you’ve tried painting before and struggled, this is the perfect place to get started and achieve success.
Q: DOES THIS COURSE EXPIRE?
A: No, you have unlimited access to the course and can work at your own pace, as long as the course is online.
Q: HOW LONG IS THE COURSE?
A: Realistic Portraits for Beginners is nearly 12 hours of content! The lessons are broken down into the 9 Steps of the painting process and are highly produced, bite-sized manageable video lessons so you can easily look back and review sections if needed. About half of the videos are instructional lessons while the other half are demonstration videos broken down into the steps of the painting process along with Beth's video commentary.
Q: DO I NEED TO BE LOCATED IN A SPECIFIC COUNTRY TO PURCHASE THIS COURSE?
A: No, Realistic Portraits for Beginners is an online, English-speaking course available no matter where you live.
Q: APPROXIMATE COST OF SUPPLIES NECESSARY?
A: We always recommend that you work within your own budget. Beth will show you her recommended supply list that is a mix of student-grade and professional-grade supplies, as well as an explanation as to why she chose them for this class. You can decide what to purchase once you’ve watched the "Mastering Your Materials" lessons.
Q: IS THIS COURSE TAUGHT IN ACRYLIC OR OIL PAINT?
This process was originally developed for Beth's oil painting process; yet, she modified it to fit acrylic paint for this course. This intentional decision allowed her to teach this process to both oil and acrylic painters without sacrificing quality. In Step two of "Mastering your Materials," she will go over the materials you need if you choose to paint in oil or acrylic. Either way, this process has been proven to work for both.
100% Satisfaction Guarantee
At Beth Gatza Classes, we are confident in the value and quality of our course, 'Realistic Portraits for Beginners.' That's why we are offering a 48-Hour, 20-Minute Watch Time Guarantee.
If for any reason you are not completely satisfied with the course within the first 48 hours and with less than 20 minutes of watch time, simply send an email to [email protected] and we will promptly process your full refund.
We want you to feel confident and comfortable in your investment and we are committed to providing you with the best learning experience possible.
So go ahead and enroll in 'Realistic Portraits for Beginners' today and start your journey to becoming a successful portrait painter!"


FACIAL FEATURES (FILL-IN-THE-BLANK) GRID DRAWING eWORKBOOK & MINI COURSE
Pay-In-Full Bonus
Pay in full for "Realistic Portraits for Beginners" and Get a Bonus 82-Page Facial Features Grid-Drawing eWorkbook and Mini-Course
As a special bonus for students who pay for the course in full, you will receive an 82-page grid-drawing eWorkbook and mini-course focused on drawing facial features. With this eWorkbook, you will learn several ways to improve your drawing skills and produce accurate drawings.
The grid-drawing method simplifies the drawing process by breaking down the subject into a series of small squares, making it much easier to complete. After watching the accompanying lessons, you can print a page and fill in the blanks at your convenience, whether you're on the go, taking a break in a coffee shop, or waiting for your subway train. This handy tool will help you improve your drawing skills and take your portraits to the next level.
