LIVE ONLINE COURSE
BREATHE LIFE INTO CHARCOAL PORTRAITS
with Zhaoming Wu, Master Artist & Mentor
Master the Art of Expressive Portraiture with a Charcoal Drawing Legend
You Will Learn:
Zhaoming’s personal charcoal techniques for creating expressive, volumetric portraits
How to structure the head using geometric and anatomical landmarks
Ways to use positive and negative shapes to strengthen composition and design
How to understand and apply light on form
Techniques to control value and edge for atmosphere and depth
Tips for developing a loose, confident drawing style grounded in classical principles
Audience: Fine Art Painters
Mediums: Charcoal
Stage: Emerging, Accomplished, Professional
Session Dates & Times:
Saturday & Sunday
August 16 & 17, 2025
10:00 am – 5:00 pm MT
1-hour lunch break
$497.00
Out of stock
Price in USD
Course Description
Join world-renowned artist Zhaoming Wu for a 2-day immersive workshop in expressive charcoal portrait drawing.
Designed for emerging and professional artists, this 12-hour experience will elevate your understanding of traditional drawing principles while exploring Zhaoming’s signature loose and atmospheric style.
Learn to approach portraiture through the lens of positive & negative shapes, light on form, and geometric-to-anatomical translation.
With in-depth demos, personalized critiques, and one-on-one guidance, Zhaoming will teach you how to create strong value structures and compelling edges that bring volume, structure, and mood to your work.
This workshop is more than technique, it’s an opportunity to absorb the mindset and methodology of one of today’s most respected figurative artists.
🎥 COURSE RECORDINGS available for 1-MONTH after the course ends!
High School, University, and College students get 20% OFF. See FAQs at the bottom of page.
Supply List
- Blick’s Kneaded Erasers
- Strathmore 400 series recycled drawing pad (wire-bound, 18×24, white, medium, 80 LB)
- Blick studio vine charcoal (extra soft, pkg of 12)
- General’s charcoal pencils (kit of 5: 2B, 4B, 6B, and white)
- Spray fixative for pencils and charcoals
Instructor Bio
Born in Guangzhou, China, Zhaoming Wu grew up during the Cultural Revolution. He began to study Chinese brush painting at the age of 8. Following high school, he became a graphic artist at an advertising agency. He credits this experience in helping him to develop substantial painting skills as well as the art of story telling. Later, he graduated from Guangzhou Academy of Fine Art where he earned a BFA in painting and was as an assistant professor there for seven years. After moving to San Francisco, California, he received his MFA in painting from the Academy of Art University where he is currently an instructor. Active for many years as both an artist and a teacher, Zhaoming has works exhibited in museums and private collections around the world.
Although he is best known for his figurative painting, using live models with flowing drapes, he is inspired by and paints the landscape. The natural elements remind him of the curves of the body and folds of the cloth. Influenced by the 19th century French painters, he describes his work as “representational, but not traditional classical.” This technique can be seen through the combination of more modern elements and understanding of graphic design. Utilizing his knowledge of heightened colors and values, he makes powerful, conscious decisions about their application.
Recent national and international publications have highlighted his vibrant career and technique. He has been featured in major domestic art magazines such as Fine Art Today, Fine Art Connoisseur, American Art Collector, Southwest Art and Plein Air Magazine. International publications include Arte Y Libertad (Spain), Art of Watercolor (China) and Pratique des Arts, (French). He has published 11 books and was featured in 3 instructional DVDs.
Major awards and honors have been given to Zhaoming Wu. These organizations include the International Artist’s Magazine, Oil Painters of America and the National Oil and Acrylic Painter’s Society, among others. For 7 consecutive years, he was a juror of an international art contest at the European Museum of Modern Art in Barcelona, Spain
LIVE COURSE FAQ
How many registrations are required for a course to start?
A minimum of 8 registrations are required. If 8 registrations are not received by the time the course is 24 hours from starting, the course will be cancelled and all registrants will receive complete refunds.
What is the maximum number of people in a course?
This varies for each course. The maximum number of registrations is decided by the instructor.
Can I get a refund?
Up until 72 hours before a course’s first session you can receive a complete refund. You can cancel your registration via the My Account portal, or by contacting Registrations@Mastrius.com.
After this time no refunds will be given (if you have extenuating circumstances you believe justify a refund, contact us at Registrations@Mastrius.com).
Can I register for a course already in progress?
No. Once a course has started, no new registrations are accepted.
Where will my course be held?
All courses meet online over Zoom. You will need a device equipped with a camera and a microphone to fully participate.
If you have not used Zoom before, learn about how to use it here.
If you don’t regularly use Zoom, we recommend you join your first session 10-15 minutes early in case your computer needs to install or update Zoom.
How do I join my course?
You will receive a welcome email from Registrations@Mastrius.com when you register. This email includes the Zoom link to join your course session. You will also receive 24 hour and 2 hour reminder emails before each session, and each of these emails includes the Zoom link. You can also access the Zoom link to join your course in your MastriusChat group.
Are the sessions recorded?
Yes, every session is recorded and are typically available 24 hours after a session ends. All session recordings will remain available for the duration of the course, and for one month following the last session. The recordings are viewable within the MastriusChat platform, and cannot be downloaded.
What if I miss a session?
You’ll be able to watch the session’s recording. If you have questions the recording doesn’t address, you can ask them in the chat feed of your course’s private MastriusChat group.
What is MastriusChat?
MastriusChat is an online discussion platform. You and your fellow course registrants will be assigned to a private MastriusChat group where you can connect and support eachother via the chat “feed”. Your group is also where you’ll access the session recordings. Other resources in your MastriusChat group include a link to join your course sessions, and a library your instructor can use to share resources.
What is a Navigator?
A Navigator is an artist who joins your course to ensure both instructor and registrants have an enjoyable experience. They support (as required) with technology, timekeeping, moderating questions, and between-session discussions on MastriusChat. The Navigator has also joined the course as participant, and just like you, they’re wanting to grow their skills and learn the material.
I’m not ready to register because I still have questions. Who do I contact?
We’d be happy to help!
Reach out to us at Mastrius@Mastrius.com and we’ll do our best to support you.
Get the STUDENT DISCOUNT
High School, University, and College students get 20% off ANY course (non-member price).
To claim this discount email mastrius@mastrius.com to enroll in the Student Program.