Getting Started with the Zorn Palette: A Four-Hour Introduction to Acrylic Portrait Painting
All you need are four colors to create remarkably lifelike portraits!
In this four-hour acrylic painting workshop, you'll learn the fundamentals of the classic 'Zorn Palette'- attributed to the Swedish master Anders Zorn (18 February 1860 – 22 August 1920), although it's thought have been in use since at least the 4th century BC. This is a limited set of colors consisting of Yellow Ochre, Ivory Black, Cadmium Red, and (for our modern purposes)Titanium White. Just these four pigments can be used to mix a wide range of natural skin tones, values, and subtle color variations.
Designed for beginner and intermediate painters looking to strengthen their portraiture skills, this hands-on class introduces the principles of value, temperature, and color harmony through Zorn Palette, with guided instructions. Students will practice mixing skin tones, explore light and shadow, and complete a portrait study using acrylic paints.
By the end of the workshop, you'll have a deeper understanding of how a limited palette can simplify the painting process while producing expressive, realistic results.
All necessary materials are provided! Any additional materials can be purchased at a 10% discount during the class.
Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate Duration: 4 hours Medium: Acrylic Paint