Classes and Events
Painting the Head
from Life and the Figure in the Landscape
June 26-28, 2026
Broadway, UK
$1,495/£950
limited to 12 students - 8 spots left!
Lifford Hall
Broadway Museum and Art Gallery
Walk in the footsteps of artist John Singer Sargent and visit the village of Broadway in the Cotswolds of England. Inspiring artists for generations, the natural beauty of the countryside and the beauty of the ancient village homes and shoppes will transport you back to an earlier time. Enjoy a transformative three day workshop in this stimulating creative environment dedicated to the study of painting the human head from life and the figure in the landscape. Students will receive one-on-one instruction while working from costumed live models. Demonstrations, lectures, and slide presentations will provide detailed explanations of the construction of the head including the features (eyes, nose, mouth, teeth), flesh tones, hair, and ears. Careful study of expression and its impact on likeness, attitude, and character of the model will be studied and explained. Techniques, methods, and principles for oil painting on canvas will also be explored. Question and answer periods to conclude each day. Class will be held in Lifford Hall in the village of Broadway on Friday and Saturday. Students will have the opportunity to paint the figure in natural light in a nearby private garden on Sunday (an indoor option will be made available in the event of inclement weather). We will also enjoy a tour of the Broadway Museum and Art Gallery. There will an optional wine and canapé reception at Neal’s historic circa 1650 home in Broadway on the evening of Thursday, June 25 to welcome students. Suggested accommodations to consider are The Lygon Arms, Abbott’s Grange, and Russell’s of Broadway.
Email shannon@michaelshaneneal.com for more information or to sign up.
Carnation, Lily, Lily, Rose by John Singer Sargent, painted in Broadway
The Lygon Arms
Behind the Brushstrokes: A Live Look at the Artistic Process
October 9-11, 2026
Easton, CT
$495
limited to 20 students - 5 spots left!
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 for more information or 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.
