Instructor(s)

Instructor Bio:

Hi. I'm Melanie, an Indigenous portrait artist, who teaches online art classes to thousands of women around the world. I help women learn to love their creative time, so they can consistently show up for themselves and experience more joy, relaxation, and energy in their daily lives. I am a trained Expressive Arts Practitioner and experienced educator of 24 years. I am from the Squamish First Nation in Vancouver, Canada and I draw from my traditional ancestry and teachings in my art practice and lessons. I provide gentle guidance and encouragement for women, so they can experience the medicines of art and build their own unique artistic voice. I believe in you.

Melanie Rivers

Course Sessions

  1. 01

    • Getting Started

    • Welcome Video

    • Supplies
  2. 02

    • How to Draw a Face

    • Portrait Map Downloadable

    • Tracing a Reference Photo

    • Yes We Can Paint a Nose

    • Bring Shape to the Lips

    • Eyes

    • Tips for Blending

    • Additional Indigenous Resources
  3. 03

    • Explorations Step by Step Guide

    • Inspiration from the Land

    • Listening to the Land: Aaron Nelson Moody/Poolx'tun

    • Initial Journal Explorations

    • Flowers

    • Finding Your Imagery

    • Your Colour Story
  4. 04

    • Introduction to Water Wisdom and Supplies

    • Water Wisdom Step by Step Guide

    • Background and Drawing the Face

    • Paint First Layer of the Face

    • Paint Final Layers of Face

    • Hair, Top, Imagery, Background

    • Guided Writing Activity

    • Integration
  5. 05

    • Introduction to Patterns in Nature and Supplies

    • Patterns in Nature Step by Step Guide

    • Drawing the Portrait and Hand

    • First Layer Portrait and Hand

    • Second Layer of the Portrait

    • Painting the Hand

    • Painting the Features

    • Background and Designing the Piece

    • Top and Background

    • Guided Writing Activity

    • Integration
  6. 06

    • Introduction to Earth Mother and Supplies

    • Earth Mother Step by Step Guide

    • Draw Seated Figure

    • Background and First Layer of the Figure

    • Second Layer of the Figure

    • Problem Solving the Portrait

    • Final Layer Portrait

    • Dress and Background

    • Guided Writing Activity

    • Integration
  7. 07

    • Stay Connected

Collaborations

My courses have been featured in:

  • Let's Face It
  • Kaleidoscope