Textured Base Layer
We build a textured golden foundation with an acrylic base layer, using stencils and mark-making tools to create rich texture.
Golden Girls in Cold Wax & Oils
Paint luminous portraits with warmth and texture.
Mini Class · Cold Wax & Oils
Do you love portraits, and the warm glow of a golden palette?
In this mini class I'll guide you step by step through painting two beautiful golden portraits using oils and cold wax medium on a golden acrylic base.
We'll work with a limited palette and let each face emerge from the warm, textured layers beneath.
Start anytime, work at your own pace, and enjoy lifetime access. This is a self-guided class, but you can always reach out by email with questions.
My 3-step method
This is what we'll do together
Three simple stages, with everything explained as we go.
Building up the Portrait
We slowly build up the portrait using a warm, limited palette over the golden base.
The Portrait Emerges
We paint the portrait into the golden background, letting the face emerge from the layers beneath.
Cold wax & oils
Oils, cold wax medium and soft pastels over a warm golden base.
Perfect for everyone
Never painted a portrait or painting for years, you'll love it.
Step by step
I walk you through every single stage.
Yours forever
Lifetime access, rewatch whenever you want.
Prefer French or Dutch? Every lesson is translated, with subtitles on all videos.
Inside the class
What you'll take with you
- Complete step-by-step golden portrait demonstrations
- Techniques for building textured base layers
- How to work with a limited palette
- Layering and mark-making techniques
- Lifetime access, rewatch anytime
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'm passionate about painting portraits — capturing an emotion with the tilt of a head or the look in the eyes, without too many details. Cold wax and oils give me the most beautiful textures, and the golden palette adds an incredible warmth and light. I can't wait to share this process with you.
Students
What painters are saying
“An amazing lesson in how to use cold wax and oils in portrait art. The looser approach really suits me.”
“I fell in love with cold wax in my oil painting because of Marina's class. The videos made me feel as if I was right there in her studio.”
“I absolutely loved all the techniques. Thank you so much for sharing.”
Look what you can create
Student work 💙
Questions?
Frequently asked
Do I need experience painting portraits?+
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 portrait grows from the textured background.
What supplies do I need?+
Oil paints, cold wax medium, 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.
Can I use acrylics instead of oils?+
This class is designed specifically for oils with cold wax medium. If you'd rather work in acrylics, check out my Textured Acrylics classes which use texture medium for similar effects.
How long does cold wax take to dry?+
Cold wax with oils typically dries within 24–48 hours depending on how thick your layers are. You can usually continue working the next day.
How long do I have access?+
Forever! Once you're enrolled, the lessons are yours for life. Many students tell me they rewatch the demonstrations every time they paint.
What's the difference between this mini class and the full class?+
This mini class focuses on golden-toned portraits. The full Cold Wax Portraits class goes much deeper with multiple portrait projects, advanced techniques, and more in-depth guidance.
Keep painting with me
The Texture Lab membership
If you loved this mini class, join The Texture Lab for fresh lessons, creative prompts, and warm support to keep your art practice moving.
View membershipReady to paint in gold?
Grab your paints, pour a coffee, and let's create something beautiful together.
$39 · One-time payment · Lifetime access · Secure checkout