The Human Head in Oil
2 -Day Intensive with Peter Najad Kasim
Peter Kasim: Two-Day Intensive – Head Painting in Oils
Weekend 8–9 August 11 - 6pm both days
Join internationally recognised portrait painter Peter Kasim for an immersive two-day workshop dedicated to painting the head from life.
Working from a professional model throughout both days, participants will complete one sustained oil painting, developing it from the initial drawing through to a resolved finish under Peter's guidance.
The workshop begins with a focused introduction to Peter's approach, including the essential theory behind his process and a live demonstration. The remainder of the workshop is devoted to practical painting, with Peter providing individual guidance throughout.
During the workshop you will explore:
Peter Kasim's approach to portrait painting
Constructing and drawing the head accurately
Understanding form, light and structure
Colour mixing for convincing flesh tones
Brush handling and paint application
Developing a painting over two full days
Individual critiques and one-to-one feedback
Suitable for: Intermediate and advanced painters, or confident beginners looking for an intensive introduction to painting the head in oils.
Dates: 8–9 August 2026
Time: 11:00–18:00 each day
Location: Burnt Sienna Art School Berlin, Charlottenburg
Oil Painting Classes in Berlin
Burnt Sienna Berlin is an independent oil painting school in Berlin offering foundation courses, intermediate programmes, artist mentoring, studio memberships and artist residencies in Charlottenburg and Neukölln.
Burnt Sienna offers structured training in small groups of maximum 6 students, with individual guidance and all materials included.
Classes take place in our Charlottenburg studio and are taught in English.
Not sure where to begin? Book a free consultation call and we'll recommend the most suitable course for your goals and experience level.
Oil Painting Foundation Course
Perfect for complete beginners.
✓ Maximum 6 students
✓ All materials included
✓ Taught in English in Charlottenburg, Berlin
Learn:
• Underpainting – build strong foundations for a painting through tonal structure, composition, and planning.
• Colour mixing – understand colour relationships and learn how to mix a wide range of naturalistic and expressive colour palettes.
• Composition – develop the ability to organise visual elements effectively and create balanced, engaging paintings.
• Glazing – explore traditional oil painting techniques using transparent layers to create depth, atmosphere, and luminosity.
• Canvas preparation – learn how to prepare and work on different painting surfaces for long-term stability and professional presentation.
• Working from observation – strengthen your ability to accurately observe light, colour, proportion, and form while painting from life.
Intermediate & Mentoring Programmes
For returning students and committed artists wanting ongoing studio practice, critique, and longer-term development.
Includes:
weekly studio access
group critiques
individual feedback
independent project development
All classes take place in our Berlin studios in Charlottenburg and Neukölln.
Current Courses & Studio Programmes
Whether you’re completely new to oil painting or returning to a more serious practice, Burnt Sienna offers structured studio-based teaching in small groups with individual feedback.
Introductory beginners studio class - complete an oil painting and take it home
6-week foundation courses Autumn oil painting foundation Thursday evenings - Sept 3 - Oct 8 6 - 9 pm
Intensive courses 8th and 9th of August with Peter Kasim - THE PORTRAIT IN OIL 11 - 6 pm both days
Ongoing mentoring & studio practice
A serious but welcoming approach to painting, focused on observation, technique, and developing personal work.
Introductory Oil Painting Session
Our introductory oil painting class is designed for complete beginners as well as those returning to painting after a long break.
After a short introduction to the materials, techniques and setup, you'll be guided step by step through the process of creating an oil painting from observation. By the end of the three-hour session, most students complete a finished painting to take home with them.
All materials are provided, class sizes are kept small (maximum six students), and there is plenty of individual guidance throughout the session. The class also serves as a perfect introduction to our longer oil painting courses.
Foundation in Oil Painting – Charlottenburg
Professional studio environment, mentoring, and extended programmes. Standing academic easels and equipment. Near Mierendorffplatz (U7)
Autumn oil painting foundation Thursday evenings - Sept 3 - Oct 8 6 - 9 pm
📍 Location: Charlottenburg – Kamminer Straße 9, Berlin
€595
payment plans available
All materials included
With Emma Seach: Royal drawing school
6/6 places remaining
Inside the Studio…
Burnt Sienna is a working painting studio and teaching space in Berlin focused on serious artistic practice.
Classes take place in small groups with individual guidance and a calm, focused atmosphere.
Students range from complete beginners to professional artists, designers, architects, and people returning to painting later in life.
Traditional oil painting methods are taught through observation, practical exercises, and personal feedback.
Painting development Programme
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Painting development Programme 〰️
Six Month Professional Painting development Programme
immersive studio programme combining teaching, independent practice, critique, and 24-hour studio access in Berlin.
Five-Day Oil Painting Intensive
A focused course covering the core curriculum of the Burnt Sienna Oil Painting Foundation programme. Students work in a small group of max. 6 participants, creating a finished canvas painting and several studies while learning essential oil painting techniques.
Mon 13th July 17th July 2026 / 12th October - 16th october 2026
📍 Location: Charlottenburg – Kamminer Straße 9, Berlin
€595
All materials included
With Louise Lenz: lead tutor
Daily structure monday to friday
10:00–13:00 studio practice
LUNCH
14:00–17:00 Curated itinerary of museum and gallery visits to explore Berlin’s art scene with your group plus exercises and drawing tasks.
2/6 places available
What`s special about
Burnt Sienna Art Courses?
Max 6 students per class
All materials included
Structured teaching
Academic studio environment
Studios in Neukölln and Charlottenburg
How we teach
Emma and Louise combine strong technical teaching with a supportive studio environment, helping each student develop both skill and confidence in their work.
Individual support: one-to-one feedback during sessions plus pre and post course evaluation of creative output
Group critique: regular discussions to develop confidence and clarity
Practical focus: working directly with materials and process
Professional studio: easels, boards, and shared studio resources
Small groups: max. 6 students for close guidance
Perfect for beginners eager to learn the fundamentals of drawing and oil painting, including colour theory, composition, and studio techniques. Our Foundation Courses take place in Burnt Sienna’s beautiful studios —a bright and inspiring space where students receive individual attention in groups of no more than six.
Each course provides a structured introduction to the principles of observational drawing and painting, with hands-on exercises designed to build technical confidence from the very first session. Students learn how to mix and apply colour, understand proportion and form, and explore a variety of traditional oil painting methods under the guidance of professional tutors.
The small-group format encourages both focus and collaboration, allowing each participant to progress at their own pace while benefiting from shared critiques and discussion. On completion, every student receives a Certificate of Achievement, recognising their progress and newly acquired skills in the foundations of painting and drawing.
Founded in 2016, Burnt Sienna Berlin has become a hub for artists from around the world. Small class sizes (max. 6 students) allow for tailored guidance, and our experienced tutors bring 18+ years of professional teaching and studio practice. Beyond technical instruction, Burnt Sienna fosters an international community where students exchange ideas, participate in critiques, and grow creatively in a collaborative environment.
What makes us special as an art school:
Academy-style training
Small groups for personal attention
Professional tutors with extensive experience
Historic studio environment inspiring creativity
Why Burnt Sienna Art School
Ready to start your artistic journey?
Join Burnt Sienna Berlin and experience hands-on, professional oil painting education in a supportive, creative environment.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Burnt Sienna stands out as one of Berlin’s leading art schools thanks to its unique combination of traditional academy-level training and contemporary guidance. We offer small class sizes (maximum six students), ensuring personalised tuition and one-to-one support in every course.
Our tutors are professional artists with extensive experience in oil painting and drawing, bringing over 18 years of studio and teaching practice. Courses take place in our historic Neukölln studio, an inspiring, intimate space designed to foster creativity, focus, and technical development.
Students benefit not only from hands-on instruction and high-quality materials, but also from mentoring, group critiques, and a collaborative international community. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced artist, Burnt Sienna provides the structure, guidance, and environment to develop technical mastery, cultivate a personal style, and gain confidence in your artistic practice.
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Burnt Sienna courses are suitable for anyone with a passion for painting and drawing, from complete beginners to more experienced artists looking to refine their skills. Our Foundation Courses provide a structured introduction for those new to oil painting, while Intermediate Courses, workshops, and mentoring programmes support students in developing a personal style, exploring advanced techniques, and gaining professional-level confidence.
The small class sizes, personalised tuition, and hands-on guidance ensure that every participant receives tailored support, making our courses ideal for individuals who want focused, practical training in a creative and inspiring environment. Whether you are pursuing art as a hobby, for professional growth, or as part of an artistic journey, Burnt Sienna offers the structure, mentorship, and studio environment to help you progress and thrive in your practice.
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Yes. Tutors provide personalised guidance and support for self-directed projects. Small class sizes and studio access allow students to develop at their own rhythm, with structured exercises and group critiques to enhance learning.
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Burnt Sienna courses take place in two Berlin studios: our original studio in Neukölln and our new institute space in Charlottenburg. Each course listing clearly states its location, and students should book according to the studio named in the course description.