PRIVATE ART MENTORING

Portrait drawing
is a skill you can learn.

 

I spent years believing I wasn’t creative. Then I found portraiture, and everything shifted. Now I teach others the same thing I had to discover myself: drawing the human face is not a gift. It is a practice. And it is absolutely learnable.

ORIGINAL WORK

Portraits that began
exactly where you are

Every piece below came from sitting down, looking closely, and committing to the process. This is the work I teach from. Not theory. Practice.

MY STORY

I spent years believing
I wasn’t the creative type.

 

I found safety in fiber arts. Sewing, knitting, crocheting. Things with patterns and rules. I avoided realism entirely because I was convinced that drawing a face that actually looked like a person was something other people could do. Not me.

Then I took an online class that reframed everything. Art is not a talent you either have or don’t. It’s a set of learnable skills. Proportion. Value. Observation. Patience. Once I understood that, I couldn’t stop.

The human face became my obsession because it is the most demanding subject there is. It has to look like a person. That challenge is exactly what I now teach others to meet, one session at a time.

THE CURRICULUM

Four pillars of
portrait drawing

01  Observation

The real secret to drawing is learning how to slow down and actually see. Most of us look without really observing. We draw what we think a face looks like, not what is actually in front of us. Private sessions train your eye before your hand.

02  Proportion & Placement

Where things go matters enormously. We work through the landmarks of the face, how to measure relationships, and how to check your own work so your portraits look like people, not approximations of people.

03​  Value & Light

Dimension comes from understanding light. We build from a value scale and learn how shadow, midtones, and highlights work together to create the illusion of three dimensions on a flat surface. This is where portraits come alive.

04​  Medium Fluency

Graphite and pan pastels each bring something distinct to portrait work. Sessions are tailored to where you are and what you want to explore, whether that’s a precise graphite study or an atmospheric pan pastel portrait.

WHAT STUDENTS SAY

Real words from
real beginners

Taking the portrait class with Lulu was such a treat! She is a wonderful teacher. Her demonstrations were clear, and there was a good balance between guided instruction and independent practice. I also really liked the way she paced the class and broke the subject matter into several stages. She created a very supportive environment, making it comfortable to ask questions and explore new techniques. I love learning with Lulu and highly recommend this class! 

 

Talia S.

I was absolutely thrilled with the results I had when I attended Lulu’s one day portrait class.  I did not think that I could come close to drawing a face and with Lulu’s teaching and guidance, I was very successful. I enjoyed the class immensely and look forward to attending another class!  
Nancy H.

I took this portrait drawing workshop as a complete beginner, and it was such an amazing experience! I wasn’t sure what to expect, but Lulu made everything feel approachable and fun. She explained each technique clearly and with so much patience, and I was amazed at how much I learned in such a short time. I actually created a sketch I’m really proud of — something I didn’t think I could do before this class! I’d highly recommend it to anyone who wants to discover their creative side.
Kathy C.

Lulu’s portrait drawing retreat was an amazing experience. I dance and knit but had no idea I could learn to draw!  With a patient teacher, the right tools and focused time, out came a masterpiece!  I am still in shock and so very grateful to explore this new talent. Lulu brings hours of experience and freely shares what she’s learned from her teachers. She is an artist, teacher and friend!
Anne K.

PRIVATE SESSIONS

Built around
where you are.

 

Every session is one-on-one. That means we move at your pace, work on your specific challenges, and build toward your actual goals. No group waiting around. No one is ahead of you. No one is behind you.

In-person sessions are held at my home studio in the South Metro of MN. Virtual sessions are available via video call.

Single Session

90 minutes: in-person or virtual
Great for trying it out or a focused deep-dive

$125

4-Session Package

Best for building real momentum
Recommended for beginners

$440

8-Session Package

Deep work across multiple mediums
For those who want significant transformation

$840

Single Virtual Session

60 minutes online
Ideal for feedback on current work

$85

Rates are a starting point. If cost is a barrier, please say so. I’d rather have a conversation than have that stop you from starting.

WORK WITH ME

Ready to begin
your practice?

 

Whether you’ve never held a pencil for portraiture or you’ve been at it for years and want to go deeper, private mentoring is the fastest path forward. Reach out and let’s figure out your starting point together.

Marketing by