Shade With Acrylic Like a Master

Learn how to confidently blend colors and values in acrylic to achieve three dimensional realism

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Do you find it hard to get to make your acrylic paintings look realistic?

Do your portraits end up looking flat, and you wonder how to make your image look like it's three dimensional?

Do you find it hard to blend with acrylics and to know what techniques to use in shading?

I plan to tackle these questions and more in my new class...

This upcoming course will be delivered initially as a LIVE Beta 3-week (one hour per week) intensive starting September 5, and then available after that on this site as recorded lessons.


You will learn:

> How to shade correctly in acrylic so that your values are "right on" and you finish your painting with confidence, knowing that it looks incredibly real.

> Three different kinds of shading. Did you know that not all shading is the same?Recognizing the difference between them and knowing how to utilize them can make or break a painting!

> How to not be fooled by values (light and dark areas) that look close but are actually extremely different. Beginners and amateur painters struggle with this! Learn my specific method to overcome it.

> A fantastic technique to measure the values in your painting and make sure it's right every time.

> 5 different techniques for creating gradients (blending from light to dark or vise versa in acrylic.) I'll show you exactly how I do it.


> And more!


Although this course is geared more towards portrait painting, the techniques you learn will work for any genre: still lifes, landscapes, nature, etc.

Beginners and pros alike will benefit from the lessons, but some experience in acrylic painting will help you incorporate the knowledge more quickly.

As a "beta" course, I will be delivering the content live via Zoom online sessions (similar to Skype ).I'll teach you through a combination of video demonstrations and printable step-by-step guides. What's great about this is that you can ask me anything during the live session and I will make sure you learn exactly what you need to know to "shade like a master."


The live classes will be Tuesdays, September 5, 12, and 19, 2017 and each session will last about an hour.

The actual class time will be determined based on the students that enroll, and how I can coordinate it best with everyone's schedule--I'll let you know once I have a time set for that.

It would be best if you can make the live classes, but I understand it doesn't work with everyone's schedule. So, even are you are unable to attend the sessions, you can definitely still enroll in this course and watch the recordings that I will post to this site. You don't need to download anything--all the recordings will have their home right here and you can access them anytime.

Again, as a student, you'll be able to watch the lessons, at your own pace, anytime you wish, as you long as you wish!

Detail of "Seliger Wedding Portrait", 30 x 40, acrylic on canvas, by Matt Philleo


Here is what one student wrote me just recently about my first class, "Paint Your First Amazing Acrylic Portrait..."

"I have and still am learning so much from this class... More than I learned in 4 years of classes I attended locally years ago. Because I am old and still have to work full time, I am still slowly watching your recorded lessons, loving every one of them. I try to paint everyday, even if it is only for 15 minutes. What I liked most about how you teach is the fact that you share every little detail. To where you buy your paints, to the brushes you use.. I bought all my supplies from Nova Color. The prices are incredible. Then I purchased the tubes from Rei...Thank you so much for this class. You are really a blessing from God... I have enclosed a picture of my painting... I made an adjustment to her eyebrows... still reconstructing that area..." --Joan Fiorino


There's two ways to enroll and start learning these shading techniques for acrylic...

One: Hit the enroll button below for $97 and purchase this class.

Two: Join my new monthly group, "Realistic Acrylic All-Access Membership" for $37/mo and get access to this course and all other courses on this site, including my mainstay course, "Paint Your First Amazing Acrylic Portrait." I'll be creating new courses every month. With your membership, you can also get a critique of your artwork anytime you feel stuck!

Either way, I look forward to teaching you!

To your painting success and many blessings,

Matt Philleo, artist

Portraits to Comfort, Encourage, and Inspire


Artisan Forge Studios | 1106 Mondovi Rd, Eau Claire, WI 54701

P.S. If you're wondering, "will this class work for me?" I can say with confidence, "Yes it will", if you take the techniques I give you and practice them. You will amaze yourself with the smooth shading and realism you'll be able to paint.

P.P.S. Questions on anything? Email me: [email protected] and I'll be happy to answer you!






Your Instructor


Matt Philleo
Matt Philleo

Since 1993, Matt has been painting portraits in acrylic, both on commission and for exhibition at art shows. In the last few years, he has been teaching students locally and worldwide how to use their God-given gifts and create beautiful paintings they can be proud to show. Currently, he lives in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin with his wife and three children. When he's not painting or teaching, he enjoys spending time with God, his family, and enjoying nature.



Course Curriculum


  Assessment of the Course in Progress
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  Finishing in Learning How to Shade Like a Master
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Frequently Asked Questions


When does the course start and finish?
The course starts now and never ends! It is a completely self-paced online course - you decide when you start and when you finish.
How long do I have access to the course?
How does lifetime access sound? After enrolling, you have unlimited access to this course for as long as you like - across any and all devices you own.
What if I am unhappy with the course?
We would never want you to be unhappy! If you are unsatisfied with your purchase, contact us in the first 30 days and we will give you a full refund.

Get started now!