EXPLORATION

BEYOND THE FACE

Portraiture is more than a likeness—it’s a journey into emotion, personality, an story. This January, we’re going beyond the face to explore how artists capture the essence of their subjects.

Unveiling the Art of Portraiture

Through carefully curated tools, exclusive artist workshops, and engaging in-store experiences, Beyond the Face invites you to create, learn, and be inspired. Whether you’re working in oils, acrylics, or pencil, let us help you bring your portraits to life.

Insights from six renowned artists
Dene Croft

Dene Croft
Harvey Chan

Harvey Chan
Jeannette Sirois

Jeannette Sirois
David Vegt

David Vegt
David Goatley

David Goatley
Francis Tiffany

Francis Tiffany
Meet the Artists
“Faces with neutral expressions often tell the deepest stories—they invite interpretation and connection.”

– Harvey Chan

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Meet the Artists
“Portrait painting is like a landscape—it’s all shapes, shadows, hills, and valleys.”

– Dene Croft

read interview
Meet the Artists
“it's not about capturing a moment; it’s about considering the personality behind the image.”

– Francis Tiffany

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Meet the Artists
“Getting proportions and small details right in a portrait is crucial, but bold brushstrokes at the end add life and dynamism.”

– David Vegt

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Meet the Artists
“The magic of my work lies in the layering—up to 10 delicate layers of color build texture and depth.”

– Jeannette Sirois

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Meet the Artists
“Lighting is the key to any portrait—it reveals the character and depth of the subject.”

– David Goatley

read interview
Recommended by artists

Tools for Portraiture

Art Brings Us Together
Opus Fortissimo Oil Brushes

Opus Art Supplies Opus Fortissimo Oil Brushes OPU900B0

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Canson Mi-Teintes Pastel Papers - 19" x 25"

Canson Canson Mi-Teintes Pastel Papers - 19" x 25" CAN707190

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General's Kneaded Erasers

General Pencil General's Kneaded Erasers GEN138

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Princeton Imperial Series 6600 Oil Synthetic Brushes

Princeton Artist Brush Co. Princeton Imperial Series 6600 Oil Synthetic Brushes PAB6600AB12

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Fabriano Artistico Extra White Watercolour Paper Blocks

Fabriano Fabriano Artistico Extra White Watercolour Paper Blocks FBRFR19301218

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Gamblin Gamvar Varnishes

Gamblin Artists Colors Gamblin Gamvar Varnishes GAC10054

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Winsor & Newton Oil Colour Liquin Original

Winsor & Newton Winsor & Newton Oil Colour Liquin Original WIN2720991

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Gamblin Galkyd Mediums

Gamblin Artists Colors Gamblin Galkyd Mediums GAC01004

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ARCHES Oil Paper Pads

ARCHES ARCHES Oil Paper Pads ARC200006578

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Oversize May Apply
Stonehenge Paper 250gsm Sheet White 26" x 40"

Stonehenge Stonehenge Paper 250gsm Sheet White 26" x 40" RPCRSHW2640

Oversize May Apply
Art Brings Us Together
Opus Finest Stretched Primed Canvas #12 Duck

Opus Art Supplies Opus Finest Stretched Primed Canvas #12 Duck OPUCP12D1620

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Gamblin Reclaimed Earth Colours Limited Edition Set of 3

Gamblin Artists Colors Gamblin Reclaimed Earth Colours Limited Edition Set of 3 GAC101113

Portrait Workshops & Events

Acrylic Layering: Flamingo Feathers with Carla Grace online demo

Acrylic Layering: Flamingo Feathers with Carla Grace

January 23, 2025

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Portraiture Features & Form with Cara Bain online demo

Portraiture Features & Form with Cara Bain

January 25, 2025

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Portraiture Skin Tones & Brushwork with Cara Bain opus granville island event

Portraiture Skin Tones & Brushwork with Cara Bain

January 26, 2025

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Portrait Painting with Jimmy Leslie online demo

Portrait Painting with Jimmy Leslie

January 29, 2025

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Portrait Drawing with Jeannette Sirois opus victoria event

Portrait Drawing with Jeannette Sirois

February 01, 2025

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Composition with Nicole Sleeth online demo

Composition with Nicole Sleeth

February 08, 2025

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Get Started with Discover Guides

Looking to try something new? Our Discover Guides have got you covered! Designed to take some of the mystery out of beginning in a new medium, these guides will give you a quick overview of the materials and help you find the right supplies to get started.

Discover Graphite Drawing

Learn more about graphite pencils, the most fundamental art material at Opus Art Supplies!

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Rainbow of paint colours on a palette

Discover Acrylic Painting

Learn more about acrylic painting, the popular modern medium at Opus Art Supplies!

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Discover Watercolour Painting

Learn more about watercolour painting, one of the most popular mediums at Opus Art Supplies!

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Discover Oil Painting

Learn more about oil painting, the classical fine art painting medium at Opus Art Supplies!

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tips from the pros

Books For Portraiture

New
Draw Faces in 15 Minutes by Jake Spicer

St. Martin's Publishing Group Draw Faces in 15 Minutes by Jake Spicer RCB63991

Watercolour Flower Portraits by Billy Showell

Random House Watercolour Flower Portraits by Billy Showell RHC19613

The New Oil Painting: Your Essential Guide to Materials and Safe Practices by Kimberly Brooks

Chronicle Books The New Oil Painting: Your Essential Guide to Materials and Safe Practices by Kimberly Brooks RCB84791

Painting Portraits in Oils: Capturing Character from Life by Rob Wareing

Random House Painting Portraits in Oils: Capturing Character from Life by Rob Wareing RHC17961

Drawing Realistic Pencil Portraits Step by Step: Basic Techniques for the Head and Face by Justin Ma

Northlight Drawing Realistic Pencil Portraits Step by Step: Basic Techniques for the Head and Face by Justin Ma NLB54618

Painting Portraits in Acrylic By Hashim Akib

Random House Painting Portraits in Acrylic By Hashim Akib RPB15813

Draw People Using Grids Giovanni Civardi

Random House Draw People Using Grids Giovanni Civardi RHC18005

Colored Pencil Painting Bible by Alyona Nickelsen

Penguin Publishing Group Colored Pencil Painting Bible by Alyona Nickelsen RHC99207

OPUS RECOMMENDS
Recommended Supplies for Portraits

We asked the pro's for their preferences on materials to capture the intricacies of portraits. Shop our material guide for the details

Shop Materials Guide
Recommended Supplies for Portraits