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Real Art Academy · realism in pastel

Learn to paint realism,
one portrait at a time.

Realism is more than technique: it is learning to see light, values and texture. In every course we paint a complete portrait together, layer by layer, and I share everything I have learnt along the way.

  • 69 courses
  • 426 lessons
  • 377 hours
  • 7+ subtitle languages
  • English & Spanish course languages

Meet your teacher

Hello, I’m Patricia Otero.

For more than ten years I have painted realistic portraits in pastel and oil for clients all over the world from my studio in Galicia. My dream for the Academy has always been to help you grow, learn and enjoy painting by sharing as much of my knowledge as I can. I put so much love into every course, and sharing what I have learnt is something I never tire of.

What’s inside

Every portrait, from the first line to the last highlight

Open any cover to see its lessons.

In-depth courses 280+ hours

Complete portraits painted in real time, from the sketch and the base layers to the final details. Nothing is sped up and nothing is skipped, so you see every decision I make.

Focus courses 80+ hours

Focus courses are a great way to learn without spending hours and hours on one project. Each one concentrates on a single area, such as an eye, a mouth or a particular coat, so you can study it in depth.

Tips & advice 3 hours

Short lessons for those moments when something isn’t working: a muddy base layer, paper that won’t take any more pigment, or black fur that has lost its texture.

The Academy also includes videos on the materials I use and why I choose them. Courses are taught in English or Spanish, and new lessons arrive every week.

Paint along with me

We paint every portrait together, layer by layer

Every course starts the way my own commissions do: with the reference photo, an A4 sheet to print, a mock-up of the finished piece and the exact materials I use. Then we paint in real time with the hesitations and corrections left in, because that is where we learn the most.

  • Reference photo and print sheet
  • The exact materials I use
  • Every lesson, uncut
  • Watch again whenever you like
The Bernese Mountain Dog course
In-depth course Bernese Mountain Dog · 11 lessons · almost 8 hours at the easel together

Every week

You are never painting alone

The Academy is a studio full of artists, not a shelf of videos.

A new lesson every week

New lessons arrive every week, in English or Spanish, and they stay in your library.

My feedback on your work

Sometimes we are so close to a painting that it is hard to see the small details. Share your work and I will tell you what is working and what I would adjust, in writing or on video.

A community of artists

Share your progress, ask about materials and see the choices other members make. They often surprise me, and sometimes they work even better than mine.

The Academy on a laptop, a tablet and a phone

Anywhere

Your studio, on every screen

With the Real Art Academy app for iPhone, iPad and Android you can download whole courses and watch them offline. AirPlay and Chromecast put the lesson on the TV next to your easel, and your notes and progress follow you from one screen to another.

Membership

One membership, everything inside

Cancel any time. Prices in the App Store and Google Play include local taxes and may differ.

Monthly

€34.90/month

Choose monthly
  • A new lesson every week
  • All 69 courses and 426 lessons from the first day
  • My feedback on your work, written or on video
  • The app, with offline viewing
  • The private community of artists

12 months for the price of 8

Yearly

€279/year save 33%

Choose yearly

Everything in the monthly plan

  • A whole year of new lessons
  • Equivalent to €23.25 a month
  • A whole year of my feedback on your work

Questions

Before you join

Is the Academy suitable for beginners?

Yes. Every course starts with the sketch and shows each step in real time, so you can follow at your own pace. If you are just starting, a Focus course is a lovely way in: you learn a lot without spending hours and hours on one project.

What is included?

Every course in the Academy, a new lesson every week, my feedback on your work, the community and the app.

How do I access the Academy?

Through the app on your phone or tablet, or by logging in on the website from any computer. You can also use AirPlay or Chromecast to watch on your TV.

Can I pay in my local currency?

Yes, if you subscribe through the app on your phone or tablet. The App Store and Google Play apply the taxes of your country, so the price may differ slightly from the website.

How long are the courses?

Tips last from a few minutes to half an hour. Focus courses run from under an hour to about seven hours, and in-depth courses from four to twenty-four hours.

Are there courses in Spanish?

Yes. Each course is filmed in English or Spanish, and its cover shows the language. Subtitles are available in more than seven languages.

Pick a portrait. Start this week.

Start your membership

€34.90 a month or €279 a year · cancel any time

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