Classes and Events
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Members will enjoy a minimum of two new posts per month (content not available anywhere else) + access to all past videos and posts + invitations to live q+a sessions +voting power for future videos. These videos will include the following topics:
What's included
Philosophy
Business/Career Management
In the Studio
Life as an Artist
Technique
Drawing America
NOW AVAILABLE! My first ever instructional video!
Filmed over two days, Neal paints the full arc of a traditional portrait: a live sitting with artist Jennifer Gennari, then completion from photo reference — covering materials, methodology, and techniques refined across more than 600 commissioned portraits.
WHAT YOU WILL LEARN: Meeting your sitter, understanding your materials, drawing, painting from life and photograph, and finishing your work.
WHO IT’S FOR: Aspiring and professional artists who want to learn portrait painting in the tradition of the Old Masters.
The portraitist of Presidents, Justices, and Senators — whose painting of Congressman John Lewis hangs in the Smithsonian — opens his National Arts Club studio for his first complete online course.
Behind the Brushstrokes: A Live Look at the Artistic Process
October 9-11, 2026
Easton, CT
$495
limited to 20 students - FULL
NEW Virtual Option!!
Attend via Zoom
October 9-11, 2026
$195
Enjoy a unique opportunity to watch Michael Shane Neal paint a commissioned portrait from life and photographs in the historic Kinstler country studio. Neal will demonstrate his entire working procedure from the initial sitting and photoshoot to the block in and development of the painting, both working from life and photographs. He will answer questions from students throughout. Neal will discuss his use of tools and techniques, drawing upon his many years of study and his experience of completing over 600 commissioned portraits. This is a rare opportunity to engage in an intimate and revealing look at the artist at work.
Email shannon@michaelshaneneal.com to be added to the waiting list.
Join this class virtually via Zoom. Observe as Michael Shane Neal paints a commissioned portrait from life and photographs from the comfort of your own home. He will also take questions from virtual participants. Zoom links will be sent each morning.
Email becka@michaelshaneneal.com to sign up.
Exclusive New York City
Studio Workshop
November 4-6, 2026
New York, New York
$6,700 (includes lunch and dinner each day)
limited to 3 students - FULL
This exclusive three day workshop will take place at Neal’s studio in the historic National Arts Club in Gramercy Park, just off Park Avenue in Manhattan. His studio was formerly occupied by Everett Raymond Kinstler and his teacher before him, Frank Vincent DuMond. DuMond not only taught Kinstler, but also Georgia O’Keeffe, Norman Rockwell, and James Montgomery Flagg. Neal is only the third artist to occupy the space in over 100 years. With a class limit of three, students will receive personalized, one-on-one instruction as they paint from a live model. Painting time will be balanced with outings and dinners at private New York City clubs with spectacular art collections. Together, you will paint and learn as you draw inspiration from the spirits of Frank DuMond and Ray Kinstler and the dozens of other great artists who have made The National Arts Club their home and studio.
Email shannon@michaelshaneneal.com to be added to waiting list.
Master Workshop by Rosemary & Co.
August 22-28, 2027
Yorkshire, UK
Immerse yourself in the timeless beauty of Yorkshire and experience a week of dedicated portrait study in one of England’s most inspiring regions. From rolling green dales and dramatic moorlands to historic market towns and centuries-old stone cottages, Yorkshire offers a rich cultural landscape that provides the perfect setting for artistic growth and creative focus.
Join Michael Shane Neal for a workshop devoted to painting the portrait from life. Working from live models, students will receive individualized instruction designed to strengthen both technical skills and artistic vision.
Through demonstrations, lectures, critiques, and daily painting sessions, Neal will share his approach to creating compelling portraits that capture not only a strong likeness, but also the personality, attitude, and presence of the sitter.
Topics will include drawing, feature relationships, values, color harmony, edges, and paint handling. Special attention will be given to observing and interpreting expression, light, and form as essential components of a successful portrait. Students will explore practical methods and principles of oil painting while developing a deeper understanding of design, composition, and visual storytelling.
Throughout the week, daily demonstrations and discussions will provide insight into Neal’s working process, while one-on-one guidance will help each student address individual challenges and goals. Whether you are an emerging artist seeking a stronger foundation or an experienced painter looking to refine your skills, this workshop offers a rare opportunity to study portrait painting in depth while enjoying the unique beauty and atmosphere of Yorkshire.
