Full Class • 4 Modules + Bonus

Painting Figures in
Cold Wax & Oils

Paint Expressive Figures on Textured, Abstract Backgrounds

Learn how to paint beautiful figures in cold wax medium and oils! From simple proportions and warm-up exercises to a finished figure painting on panel, I’ll guide you through every step. Discover how to start with a textured background and then add the figure!

Whether you’re new to painting figures in cold wax and oils or looking to take your figurative work to the next level, this class gives you everything you need to create expressive figure paintings full of texture, interest, and the kind of depth that only cold wax medium can bring.

Enroll Now — $99 → See What’s Inside

Expressive figure painting in cold wax and oils with textured abstract background

Sound familiar?

This Class Is for You If…

🎨 You’ve always wanted to paint figures in cold wax and oils but didn’t know where to start — getting proportions right, building layers, and integrating a figure into a textured background

✨ You love abstract cold wax painting and want to add a figure to your textured backgrounds — but you’re not sure how to make it look like it truly belongs

🌸 You think you can’t draw — but you’d love to learn simple proportions and easy exercises that make painting figures fun and pressure-free

💖 You want to create expressive, textured figure paintings full of depth, mark-making, and beautiful layers — not realistic portraits, but paintings with soul

🎨 You’re ready to go beyond abstract and discover how cold wax medium can bring your figurative paintings to life with unique textures that no other medium can create

Yes, This Is for Me! →

Watch the Intro

See What You’ll Create

Watch a quick peek at what you’ll be painting in this class, from simple figure proportions and warm-up exercises to stunning figure paintings in cold wax and oils full of texture and depth

What You’ll Learn

After This Class You’ll Know How To…

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Paint figures on textured, abstract cold wax backgrounds — learn how to integrate a figure so it grows from the layers rather than sitting on top

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Use simple figure proportions that actually work — no perfection needed, just fun exercises to get you comfortable drawing figures

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See and use values — the most important element in art — to create depth and drama in your paintings

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Build rich, layered backgrounds with depth and texture using a limited colour palette for beautiful harmony

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Transfer drawings to paintings and use mark-making with tools, stencils, stamps, and pastels to add expressive detail

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Create expressive figure paintings in cold wax and oils that tell a story — paintings full of texture, movement, and soul

Detail of expressive figure painting in cold wax and oils showing layered texture and mark-making

4 Modules + Bonus

What’s Inside the Class

From understanding figure proportions to painting stunning textured figures in cold wax and oils — everything you need, step by step

Learning simple figure proportions and drawing exercises

Module 1

The Figure — Proportions & Drawing

Simple proportions, how to simplify what you see, fun drawing exercises with a skewer and ink, and working from reference photos. No stress — I promise!

Four abstract mini paintings in cold wax and oils as warm-up exercise

Module 2

Abstract Squares — 4 Mini Paintings

Before we paint a figure, we warm up with 4 small abstract squares using one colour, black, and white. You’ll learn about values, texture, and mark-making — and get your hands into the paint.

Expressive figure painting on Arches oil paper with abstract background

Module 3

Painting a Figure on Paper

We start on Arches oil paper — forgiving and affordable. Build a beautiful abstract background, then draw an expressive figure into the layers using soft pastels and your reference photo.

Finished figure painting on wooden panel in cold wax and oils

Module 4

Painting a Figure on Panel

The main project! Everything comes together on a wooden panel. Dark base layers, warm complementary colours peeking through, a rich abstract background, and a beautiful figure that grows from the layers. I walk you through all 4 stages.

How to frame cold wax paintings on panel

Bonus

How to Frame Your Cold Wax Paintings

I’ll show you different ways to display and frame your finished paintings — so your beautiful figure painting looks just as stunning on the wall as it does on your easel.

Everything You Need to Get Started

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Step-by-Step Video Lessons

Over 4 hours of detailed demonstrations — from abstract warm-ups to finished figure paintings in cold wax. Pause, rewind, and rewatch at your own pace.

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Reference Photos Included

All reference photos for the projects are included so you can paint along with me, or use them as inspiration for your own expressive figure paintings.

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Lifetime Access

One payment, forever yours. Come back whenever you want — many students paint along more than once and discover something new every time.

“Painting in oils and cold wax medium is definitely not only for abstract painters. Discover how to paint female figures on beautiful textured backgrounds, using different cold wax techniques.”

— Marina TvB

Class Projects

Look What You Can Create

Expressive figure painting in cold wax and oils with abstract textured background

Figure on paper in cold wax and oils with warm and cool layers

Abstract warm-up paintings in cold wax and oils with values and texture

Full Class

Painting Figures in Cold Wax & Oils

$99

One-time payment • Lifetime access • 4 Modules + Bonus

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4 comprehensive modules + bonus on framing

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Over 4 hours of step-by-step video lessons

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Reference photos included

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Lifetime access — learn at your own pace

Enroll Now →

Meet Your Instructor

Marina Teding van Berkhout

Cold Wax Artist & Instructor

I’m Marina, a Dutch professional artist living in the South of France. I am passionate about painting representational art in cold wax and oils — and I love to share my passion with you!

It is absolutely possible to paint figurative art with cold wax medium. In this class I share everything I know about adding figures to textured, abstract backgrounds — from simple proportions to the final brushstroke. I can’t wait to see what you create!

What Students Are Saying

“I recently completed Marina’s ‘Beyond the Layers’ course and would highly recommend it to anyone — beginner or established artist — wanting to learn about painting in oil and cold wax. The course gives a very clear, easy to follow step by step guide to creating semi-abstract figures within a textured background.”

— Corinne M.

“I have taken both Marina’s ‘Fabulous Faces’ and ‘Beyond the Layers’ classes and they are both rich in content — furthering my understanding of oil and cold wax medium. Marina’s style and techniques are inspiring and she freely shares her knowledge with others.”

— Jennifer T.

“Loved, loved this class! Very clear explanations and fun warm up exercises. Happy with my figure paintings, working on my own style now!”

— EVELYN H.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to know how to draw figures? +

No! I’ll teach you simple proportions and easy exercises to get you comfortable drawing figures. You can even trace if you prefer — there is nothing wrong with that. The beauty of this technique is that the figure grows from the abstract background, so perfection is not the goal.

What level is this class for? +

This class is for anyone who wants to paint figurative art with oils and cold wax medium. Whether you’re new to cold wax or have experience with abstract painting and want to try figures — this class is for you. The most important thing is that you enjoy the journey!

What supplies do I need? +

Oil paints, cold wax medium, Arches oil paper, a wooden panel, some basic tools like a palette knife and bowl scraper, and soft pastels for drawing. The full supply list is inside the class. You don’t need anything fancy — to start you only need cold wax medium, oil paper, and an old credit card to apply the paint! You can also browse my Art Supplies Guide for more details.

Can I use acrylics instead of oils? +

This class is designed for oils and cold wax medium. If you prefer acrylics, check out my Figure in Cold Wax & Acrylics mini class — I teach a similar subject using Powerwax and acrylics!

When do classes start and finish? +

This is an instant access class! You get access to all content immediately after enrollment and can work through everything at your own pace. There is no start or end date.

How long do I have access? +

Forever! You get lifetime access to all lessons and videos. Come back whenever you want — many students rewatch the demonstrations every time they paint.

Is there a community? +

Yes! We have a private community where you can share your progress, ask questions, and get feedback. I check in regularly and I love seeing what you create. Don’t be shy — we all started somewhere!

How is this different from painting a traditional portrait? +

In this class, we’re not trying to paint a photorealistic portrait. Instead, we create expressive, textured paintings of figures that capture personality and spirit. Using cold wax and palette knife techniques, we build up layers of texture that make the painting come alive in a way that’s completely unique — you won’t find these effects in any other medium!

What is your refund policy? +

Unfortunately, once you are enrolled in the course I am unable to offer a refund. But I’m confident you’ll love it!

Ready to Paint Your Figure?

Grab your paints, pour a coffee, and let’s create something beautiful together.

$99

Enroll Now →

Painting Figures in Cold Wax & Oils

by Marina Teding van Berkhout