Member Event
Portraiture Practice with Jimmy Leslie
Portraiture Practice with Jimmy Leslie
One of the biggest stumbling blocks to portraiture is not understanding the proportions of the head and features of the face. In this Opus online demo, Winsor & Newton Resident Artist and Director of Education, Jimmy Leslie, will break down these fundamentals in simple ways. Jimmy will show you how to visualize a head in various positions, help you sketch the basic concept, block-in initial forms and then discuss specifics of individual features as well as skin tones. Rather than painting a specific portrait from start to finish, Jimmy will guide you through a hierarchy of steps that will allow you to explore the concept of portraiture long after the demo is over.
Materials
Winsor & Newton Artists’ Oil Colours: Cadmium-Free Red Light, Cadmium-Free Red Medium, Yellow Ochre, French Ultramarine, Titanium White and Ivory Black
Winsor & Newton Oil & Acrylic Pad: 9x12”
Winsor & Newton Artists' Oil Synthetic Brushes: Flat 6 and Round 2
Winsor & Newton Refined Linseed Oil - 75ml
Winsor & Newton Sansodor (Low Odour Solvent) - 75ml
Winsor & Newton Paper Palette 9" x 12"
Rags or paper towels for cleaning brushes
Small containers for mediums
Opus Virtual Demo Common Q&A - Click HERE
This event is for Opus Members — thank you for being part of the creative community!
Hosted by Opus Art Supplies & our Experience leader
Jimmy Leslie is a painter, former college art professor, and Resident Artist for the fine art brands Liquitex and Winsor & Newton. He is also the director of the education program for brands in North America and works with the marketing team on visual assets related to new product development. His paintings have been exhibited across the United States and reside in collections in the US, England, Wales, Australia, and Costa Rica. Instagram:@jimmyleslieartView full details
Opus Member Events
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to register in advance?
Yes—most events require registration to reserve your spot. Free demos with limited space can fill up quickly, so we recommend signing up early.
What’s included in a paid vs free event?
Paid events may include hands-on instruction, materials, and exclusive product offers. The details will be listed on the event page.
Free events may include a short, informative session led by an artist—perfect for picking up techniques, learning about materials, and sparking inspiration. You’re welcome to paint along, but it’s not required.
Will I get a recording if I miss an online event?
No. These demos are live-only. If recorded, the footage is gifted to the artist and not shared publicly.
Can I attend an online event if I don’t live in BC?
Yes! Our online events are open to artists across Canada and beyond.
Where are events held?
We host events both in-store at select Opus locations and online via Zoom or other platforms. The location and format will always be clearly stated.
I registered but didn’t receive a confirmation email. What should I do?
Check your junk or spam folders first. If you’re still unsure, email Pamela Mark at pmark@opusartsupplies.com to confirm your registration.
What’s the difference between free and paid events?
Free events are short, demo-based sessions led by professional artists—great for inspiration and learning.
Paid events offer deeper, hands-on instruction with more time, materials, or exclusive access. They’re ideal for artists looking to grow their skills.
Some paid events are free or discounted for Artist and Creative Tier Members.
Is it okay to ask questions during the demo?
Absolutely. Use the community chat to ask demo-related questions. Our host will relay them to the artist as time allows.
When will I be let in from the Zoom waiting room?
We open the room right at the start time. Arrive a couple of minutes early to avoid delays.
How can I apply to be a demo artist?
We love connecting with artists who teach and inspire. Apply here to share your skills in an upcoming demo.