Mini Class
Paint an Expressive Figure with Texture & Soul
In this mini class I'll guide you step by step through painting a beautiful, expressive figure using acrylics and Powerwax (another Heavy Gel Medium works too!). We'll build rich textured layers, create an abstract background full of color, and let a figure emerge from the paint. We then add some fun collage!
Enroll Now →
You will need Acrylic paints, Heavy Gel Medium or Powerwax, a support like Mixed Media paper and something to apply the paint, which could even be an old credit card!
Whether you've never touched a palette knife or you've been painting for years, you are going to love this class!
I walk you through every stage, from building your base layers to the final details that bring the figure to life.
Lifetime access to all lessons. Come back and rewatch whenever you want, many students paint along more than once.
“I love painting figures — there's something so beautiful about capturing a feeling, a gesture, without too many details. Let the layers speak!”
— Marina TvB
Keep Painting With Me
If you loved this mini class, join The Creative Collective for fresh lessons, creative prompts, and warm support to keep your art practice moving.
View Membership →
Meet Your Instructor
Cold Wax Artist & Instructor
I'm Marina, a Dutch professional artist living in the South of France. I am passionate about painting figures, capturing an emotion with the tilt of a head or the look in the eyes, without too many details. Working with acrylics plus Powerwax or Heavy Gel Medium gives me the freedom to build texture and create those layered backgrounds I love. I can't wait to share this process with you!
“This is such good teaching! I have watched it over and over again.”
Jen Fleming • USA
“Marina's classes are so informative and interesting, featuring gorgeous paintings.”
Mimi Sagadin • Canada
“Her love of the creative process shines and spills over onto her students.”
Linda L. • Artist
No! I'll guide you through every step. You don't need to be able to draw perfectly — the beauty of this technique is that the figure grows from the abstract background. I'll show you exactly how.
Powerwax is a water-based cold wax medium that works beautifully with acrylics. It gives you the same gorgeous texture as traditional cold wax but dries faster and cleans up with water. You can find where to buy it on my website at marinatvb.com/powerwax-for-acrylics.
Acrylic paints, Powerwax, a few brushes, a palette knife, soft pastels for drawing, and a canvas or panel. I'll give you the full supply list inside the class — nothing fancy or expensive needed.
This class is designed specifically for acrylics with Powerwax. If you prefer oils and cold wax, check out my other figure classes — I teach the same subjects in both mediums!
Forever! Once you're enrolled, the lessons are yours for life. Come back whenever you want — many students tell me they rewatch the demonstrations every time they paint.
This mini class focuses on one figure painting project — perfect for a quick creative boost. The full Cold Wax & Acrylics class goes much deeper with multiple projects, advanced techniques, and more in-depth guidance to develop your own style.
Grab your paints, pour a coffee, and let's create something beautiful together.
Enroll Now →








A Figure in Powerwax & Acrylics — Mini Class
by Marina Teding van Berkhout