Learn to paintrealism in oils

In 2023, at 67, I suffered a stroke and several mini-strokes. I thought I’d spend the rest of my life sitting in my bay window watching the grass grow. Then I tried oil painting — and MazArt Academy has been a lifesaver for me.
Marion’s patience, encouragement and teaching are what finally made colour mixing click. If other tutorials haven’t worked for you, give this academy a go.

I first came across Marion Dutton on YouTube. I then started following her on Patreon and purchased her Pet portrait course. which I thoroughly enjoyed. I was there when she began her Academy and have been here ever since. My own painting has improved beyond expectations. From pets, portraits and landscapes. Oils. Acrylic or watercolour. Her teaching explains each brush step, from start to finish. I am so pleased to have found her.

Painted the juicy cake yesterday. I enjoyed it so much. Loved to use all the lovely colours and to paint the light and shade. Thank you Marion for this marvelous tutorial. I went quite big 16x16 inches.

Marion is a wonderfully skilled artist and teacher. What to do, when, where, how and why to do it. She has all the answers, and is helping me paint what is in my mind's eye.

I have been with MazArt academy for two years and can recommend this to anyone who is thinking about improving their painting skills and learning about how colour works and how to mix colours successfully.
From my own experience with MazArt and with the significant amount of material on the website, I would say my painting skills have much improved due to the clear instruction and process the accompanies every MazArt project. Even if you have never painted before there is something for all levels and subject material to cater for all tastes.
In addition to the many painting projects available on the MazArt website, there are lots of helpful technical tips to clarify many aspects of creating a painting. A big thank you to Marion for tirelessly creating new projects and content for her students.

Before discovering MazArt, I followed tutorials that let me finish a painting in a couple of hours - but they were just OK. I was struggling to create work I was proud of. Then I found Marion's tutorials and everything changed. Her detailed guidance and compositions take time, but the results have been transformative for me. According to my family and friends, my painting quality has skyrocketed and I'm proud of my paintings. Thanks Marion!

A few years ago, I had the incredible opportunity to attend a pet portrait workshop led by Marion, and it truly transformed my approach to oil painting. From the moment I walked in, I was struck by her genuine passion for teaching and her willingness to share her extensive knowledge. Unlike other instructors I've encountered, Marion doesn't just have you blindly mimic her; she takes the time to explain the 'why' behind each step.
Her lessons on everything from selecting the right canvas to understanding brushes, paints, and mediums were eye-opening. I walked away with a deeper understanding of the art form than I ever anticipated. As she beautifully puts it, 'you'll learn to create artwork that feels alive—paintings built on solid principles, taught through clear, in-depth tutorials.'
Marion has had a profound impact on my painting journey, more than anyone else I've learned from. I can't thank her enough for her dedication to her students and her craft. If you're looking to elevate your painting skills, I highly recommend joining her workshops. You won't regret it!

I chose these because they are my latest pieces I have done! I wish I still had one of my 3 hummingbirds I painted! I found Marion Dutton and Mazart through another Bob Ross Instructor. I had shown her some of my pencil portraits and she told me about Marion! I took a chance and signed up for the online courses! I love being able to work at my own pace and yet having a great instructor explaining the process! As you can see I always have another project waiting!! Because of Mazart Online Academy I have been able to learn to paint portraits (people & pets) for commissions! Marion is always coming out with new content and challenging us with new techniques! There is so much value in all her content!! Regardless of the type medium you prefer she has you covered!!! Love everything about her site! Thanks again Marion!!

I have completed at least a dozen amazing videos from the Mazart website. This is one of my favorites! Florals are very difficult for me but I was absolutely delighted with the results I got by following along with Marion’s tutorial. Her instruction over the past 8 years has raised me to an artistic level I never even dreamed of!

I absolutely love being a part of Mazart Studio. I have learned so much from Marion Dutton. She is absolutely amazing teacher and artist. Through learning her techniches I have a wall of my grandchildren and family. Pet portraits,landscapes. I love the variety she teaches. I'm so truly grateful.

I first decided to try painting around 2017-2018. I tried a few instructors on YouTube and then I found Marion. With MazArt Academy, I could tell that I did not need any other instructor. Marion teaches it all-from landscapes to still life to portraits. I have completed Academy projects following Marion's expert, detailed instructions, in both oils and acrylics. If you are just starting out, or are an accomplished artist, you will find everything you need in MazArt Academy. Marion also teaches you the essentials of painting, from preparing a canvas to mixing paint colors. You will learn from the best instructor hands down, and you will grow in your painting journey. Below are only a few samples of the MazArt projects that I completed (I wish I could post them all!).

My journey began Christmas 3 years ago with a watercolor package as a gift. I always had an interest in painting and so I started with some brushes, paints and easel and thought well now I need to figure out how to do something with these items. I began my search on Youtube and soon discovered MazArt Academy that fit what I needed. The classes were easy to fit into and I soon began learning and understanding the application of mediums. The image is of a recent gallery show I was invited to attend and show my works, with many thanks to Marion and her academy for making it fun and exciting to learn this new skill that just makes everything better.

Marion has been such an inspiration and wonderful teacher. I love the color mixing with the limited pallet. I love the underpainting process. I love wet on wet oil painting. I love the process of “letting it dry completely” and glazing. Learning tonal references. Marion has been a joy to learn from, she makes oil painting a very fun and rewarding experience. Thank you Marion…

Marion Dutton is an awesome artist and instructor! I’m so glad I’m a member of the MazArt Academy!If you aren’t a member you need to join! I’m so glad I did!

I always said I wanted to learn to draw/paint when I retired. So at 55, I looked around and found Marion.
Marion has taught me so much in the time I have been a MazArtisan. Her projects are so diverse and challenging. I can't imagine another artist/tutor who would give as much as Marion does for all of us.
Finally winning the Apple competition last week was the icing on the cake and really helped my confidence enormously.
So, thank you, Marion. From the bottom of my heart Sandra xx.

HI, I only started painting a couple of years ago. I never thought I would be able to produce anything that slightly resembled "Art" I now love it and it is all thanks to our wonderful tutor Marion Dutton. She explains things so clearly and is always full of encouragement. I couldn't have done it without her. Thank you Marion.

Thank you so much Marion for your encouragement and guidance and in being such an inspiration to us all! Thank you for these projects that teach us so much about color mixing, underpainting, tonal values and so much more!! I’m proud I went through the foundation course with MazArt Academy! I am learning so much from you, you’re an excellent teacher, painter and an inspiration!!!! Thank you!!!

Okay, Miss Marion, I’ve got my fundamentals in place. I am SO happy you encouraged me to do this project. These fundamentals are the tools I’ve been waiting for for a long time. Definitely worth the studio time, and this will help me so much going forward.