Painting Instruction

I think my favorite thing about painting is that it is a never-ending journey. Yes, I’m always excited to make a painting that makes me feel as though I’ve “arrived,” but the real joy, I find, is in knowing that there is always something more to learn.

As a life-long learner, I am always looking to understand what makes an exceptional teacher. But I’ve also learned what kind of teacher I don’t want to be: the one who only focuses on where you stand to improve, but gives you no sense of what you are innately good at. Instead, the teachers and coaches who have made a lasting impact on my life are the ones who helped me break and rebuild bad habits, but also helped me strengthen what makes me unique.

This is the philosophy that my instructional program, The Alla Prima Bootcamp, is based upon. The program kicks off with a painting bootcamp and continues with an ongoing mentorship. It is designed to help students of all ages and skill levels master oil painting techniques that will set them apart, and find their own unique style.

For students’ convenience, the program is 100% online, with lectures and high-definition demos available on demand, a 24-7 student forum, and a weekly virtual face-to-face calls for questions, critiques and general check-ins.

For more information on the Alla Prima Bootcamp and to see if it’s the right fit for you, click here. You can also visit our FAQ page here.

Want to see what my instruction is all about? Click here to sign up for my FREE MASTERCLASS on finding your style.

Here’s what students have to say…

Studying with Chelsea Lang is a true delight. She is exceptionally knowledgable, but far more importantly her communication skills are outstanding. Her course is as much about the keys to painting as it is about becoming an artist. In all the art courses I took in college no one actually discussed how to be an artist. She starts with basics like setting up your studio and obtaining supplies designed for professional work. She introduces how one might go about developing their personal style and goes on to discuss how one might develop the life skills imperative for lifelong learning and artistic success. You’ll likely feel like you are in a graduate course in how to be an artist and how to develop and expand upon the artistic toolbox vital to your success.

It's one of the most supportive art courses I can imagine. I started the course confident about the skills I used to have, but almost unable to use a brush due to a stroke. Despite my challenges Chelsea consistently supported me, not just with kind words, but with workarounds, practical information, and continued confidence I could succeed. She is a fabulous artist, but she is also a profoundly gifted educator. In short, if you are 20 beginning a life time career, or 70 and hoping to launch a second career, she will share the skills necessary for success, and create a climate of rich support among those in the class.

— KRISTINA K.

The Alla Prima Bootcamp has changed the trajectory of my painting career. I was at a certain point in my painting ability, and knew I wanted to be better, but I didn’t know how, and I didn’t know where I wanted to go exactly.

There are so many classes, so many good artists to be inspired by, so much information overload online, it was daunting to figure out what to do. Your class and community on discord has been instrumental in my growth.

Thank you for helping me develop and narrow down a voice, or style, but also helping guide me with your expertise on specific techniques and ways to accomplish what I would like to do. The journey continues, but I love the road! The discord community is good for my soul, too!

You have such a great way to see and help with all our individual needs!!! I have been a teacher for many years and so appreciate that ability in you!

— MARY C.

I am so grateful for your wonderful Alla Prima Bootcamp! I feel very fortunate to be among such a wonderfully generous and talented community of artists. You have a real knack for sharing your expertise in oil portraiture … and much more… and I’ve learned so much from you over the past few months. My studio practice is more efficient and my professional goals are clearer as a result. The lectures and demos you have composed are tremendously helpful as I can refer to them at any time and I find I learn something new each time I rewatch them. I look forward to continuing our artist’s journey together!

— ANGELA C.

Chelsea’s guidance has been immeasurable. With her caring attitude and outlook, she easily shares her passion and knowledge for laying down the marks that make the painting your own. I am so glad I made this investment in myself!

— GARY L.

Studying with Chelsea Lang is a pleasure and an opportunity not to be missed. Her instruction dives deeply into each of the important areas--tools and mindset, aesthetic, composition, likeness, color, and edges. The weekly Q&A sessions answered my questions in a timely manner, and the final lesson developed a roadmap for my continuing artistic development. Chelsea believes in establishing an art practice built on sustainable habits leading to successful painting, and in protecting artistic energy and joy. She shares her knowledge and wisdom generously. It truly is the best art experience I have had.

— MARGARET T.

Want to see more student work? Click here to check out my students’ ‘Wall of Fame.’