The Work
Dimitra's figures, where realism meets abstraction.
Expressive paintings of the human figure that hold structure and freedom at once. This is the way of working you'll be learning to build from a live model.
Three days on the human figure, where realism and abstraction meet and the work starts to feel alive.
Only 15 seats / November 20 to 22, 2026 / Sarasota, Florida
So much figure work stops at accuracy. It's technically right, but emotionally quiet. This workshop is about the other half of the equation: keeping the figure alive on the canvas. Over three days with Dimitra Milan and Constantino Milan, you'll paint the human figure from a live model in a way that holds realism and abstraction in the same breath.
You begin from the model, building studies to understand proportion, movement, and form. Those studies, along with your own references, become the foundation for a larger, more resolved painting. Working in mixed media, acrylics, oils, and layering, you'll build real structure first, then learn when to loosen it, where to let paint move on its own, and how to push toward abstraction without losing the human presence underneath.
The goal isn't only to capture the figure accurately. It's to interpret it, so the work feels dynamic, layered, and visually engaging. Dimitra and Constantino guide you through the decisions that turn an accurate drawing into a painting that actually feels like something, where the figure emerges while keeping a sense of freedom and expression.
Build gesture studies from a model to understand proportion, movement, and the essence of the figure before you commit to canvas.
Hold realism and abstraction in the same painting, so the figure stays grounded while the paint stays expressive.
Go past accurate rendering and learn to interpret the figure, so the work carries feeling instead of just likeness.
Layer acrylics, oils, and mark-making to create depth and movement, building the figure up rather than copying it down.
Leave with a resolved figure painting in progress, and the judgment to know when to push and when to simplify.
Take home a repeatable way of painting the figure, grounded yet expressive, that you can return to in your own studio.
Expressive paintings of the human figure that hold structure and freedom at once. This is the way of working you'll be learning to build from a live model.
DM
Headshot to add
Dimitra Milan is a contemporary artist who paints the human figure as something felt rather than copied, letting realism and abstraction meet on the same canvas. Her work moves between careful structure and loose, expressive paint, and it carries a dreamlike emotional charge that has drawn collectors around the world.
She fell in love with painting young and has spent her life inside the studio, so she teaches from the inside out: not just how to render a figure, but how to keep it alive.
Alongside her, Constantino Milan brings a strong drawing foundation and a steady eye for form, helping each artist hold structure while they let the work breathe.
✦ Figurative Painter & Mixed-Media ArtistEach day runs 10am to 4pm, with a midday break. A natural arc from studies, to building the painting, to refinement.
From first-time oil painters to seasoned artists refining their voice, these are workshop artists in their own words.
“It’s the best art lessons I’ve had in thirty years.”
After 30 years of intermittent painting, Kimberly decided to make art her primary focus, and her skills skyrocketed. Life transitions pushed Kimberly to follow her passion for art full-time. The Mastery Program’s structured approach rapidly improved her skills, and in-person workshops brought major breakthroughs in each session. In Sarasota, she mastered skin tones, figures, and mystical backgrounds, areas she’d struggled with before. Kimberly now sees every painting as a step forward and proof that dedication beats “natural talent” every time.
“I have a BFA and a master’s degree, but I’ve learned more here than anywhere else.”
After 20 years in abstract, Kit wanted to master realism, and fill the gaps in her formal training. Kit’s journey took her from avoiding portraits to confidently painting them. The Mastery Program gave her the foundational skills to translate anything she sees onto canvas. At the Sarasota workshop, she pushed herself to create glowing, translucent effects she’d never achieved before. She left knowing exactly how to elevate her work, and the confidence to keep pushing.
“This is my very first oil painting… and now I know I can do it.”
Emily had been a practicing artist since 2012, but she had never touched oils. The Sarasota intensive became her “sink-or-swim” moment, and she discovered she could swim beautifully. Emily came to the workshop with years of acrylic experience but zero in oils. Apprehension melted into excitement as she learned the layered, step-by-step process of creating light-filled work. Her goldfinch painting, made for her husband, became a personal milestone. With the encouragement and guidance she received, Emily left ready to dive back into the Mastery Program and embrace oils without fear.
“I thought painting had to be agony… now I’m in a flow where I’ll always have ideas.”
Eight years into painting, Mary still felt something was missing, until she found her flow. A landscape architect by trade, Mary entered the Mastery Program seeking the art school education she never had. Through the process, she not only found her voice but also learned to work with lighter, more intentional strokes, a game-changer for her style. Inspired by her home in Baja, Mexico, her workshop piece captured the glow of jackrabbits and cacti at sunrise. She left with renewed energy and the tools to sustain her professional art career.
“Even if you’ve been painting for years, this program is transformative.”
Gillian found freedom and magic in her art by embracing mixed media and her “magician” archetype. A casual online workshop with Elli and Dimitra was Gillian’s gateway to the Mastery Program. Discovering alcohol inks with oil paints lit up her work, literally and figuratively. At the Sarasota in-person workshop, she created a glowing jar with a curious cat, bringing the “painting light” lesson to life. For Gillian, the program’s magic is matched only by the deep support from the Milan Art team.
“I was hesitant because of my age… but I just plugged in and kept going.”
Carole almost didn’t join because she feared the time commitment. Now she paints 30 hours a week. Carole had painted a little before joining the Mastery Program but wanted to take her skills seriously. A mentor’s accountability kept her consistent, and her love for mixed media flourished. The workshop challenged her to blend her whimsical style with realistic light, and she succeeded, creating a glowing floral piece that marked another milestone in her growth.
An intimate studio setting with direct, individual guidance across all three days.
November 20 to 22, 2026 / 10am to 4pm daily / In person at the Milan Art Studio in Sarasota, Florida
Extend the experience November 19 to 23 with the Milan Art House add-on. Details and availability shared on request.
Open to all levels. A supportive space for Mastery Program students, graduates, and serious artists ready to paint the figure with both structure and freedom.
You'll leave with a figure painting well underway and a way of working that balances realism with abstraction, in everything you paint next.
Reserve Your EaselOnly 15 seats / November 20 to 22, 2026
No. This workshop is open to all levels. It's especially supportive for artists whose figures come out technically correct but emotionally flat, and equally welcoming to those comfortable with basic drawing or painting who are ready to move past strict realism.
We paint the human figure, working from a live model and your own references. The process you'll learn, balancing realism with abstraction, carries into any subject or style you work in.
No. Every art supply you need is included and waiting for you at the studio. Just bring yourself and any ideas, inspiration, or reference you’d like to work from.
In person at the Milan Art Studio in Sarasota, Florida. Full location and arrival details are sent to registered artists ahead of the workshop.
All sales for in-person events, including workshops, retreats, intensives, and other experiences, are final. We do not offer refunds or credit for cancellations or no-shows. Funds can not be transferred to another event.
By registering for any in-person event, you are agreeing to this policy and helping us maintain a smooth and well-prepared event experience for all.