Hey there, I’m Christopher Fornataro, or as my community knows me, The Paint Coach. I’ve amassed nearly 500,000 subscribers on YouTube by breaking down oil painting into simple, digestible lessons. Now I am bringing that same approach to pet portraits!

Have you ever come across a pet portrait online done by a pro that made you stop scrolling and admire it? Have you wondered why your portraits don’t capture that same magic? Don’t worry—you’re not alone! Many students face the same challenges, and I’m here to help you overcome them.

In my experience, it often comes down to mastering the core fundamentals that may be missing. Together, we’ll identify and strengthen those key skills, empowering you to create beautiful portraits that will stop others from scrolling. - Penny

Having taught thousands of students I know what works and what doesn't so we don't waste any time.

I am gong to instruct you before, during, and after the painting.

Let me explain...

This isn't like most online courses out there where you just watch the instructor paint. No way. Before you paint a portrait you will be prepped with insightful lectures and eye opening exercises that will lead to breakthrough moments in your portraits.

"I liked the way that the Paintcoach Pet Portrait course built up my skills through step by step exercises of the subject and materials. In the past my pet portrait results have been mixed so I was pleased that within a short time, my newly acquired understanding gave me results that I could be proud of." - Amanda

You will have access to full real time video tutorials where you will get to watch my every stroke while I explain and demystify the painting process and make you see that you can do it too!

Ever finished a painting only to feel that it still doesn’t look quite right? That’s a common hurdle for many artists. That’s where critiques become invaluable!

In this course, you'll have access to recorded video critiques of student work after every exercise and painting session. We all face similar challenges in our artistic journey, and watching how others tackle their problem areas will help you identify and resolve issues in your own work. Let’s refine your skills together and bring your vision to life!

"I am an intermediate oil painter, continuing to learn and grow as much as possible! I have been painting a lot of pet portraits the past year, and I wanted to elevate my skills. This course was so, so well done. Packed full of information, well thought out, and made with the student in mind. I am very pleased with my results from the lessons incorporated in this course. Chris explains things in a way that allows you to view your subject differently, and simplify. This, in turn, helps me go into a painting with less anxiety and overthinking. I would highly recommend any of his courses, but this one has been my absolute favorite so far!"

- Mandy

We all paint and learn at different speeds which is why there is no time limit on this course. You have it for life and can access it as many times as you like.

I had high expectations for this course and I am elated to say that what Chris created exceeded my hopes. The examples, exercises, and lesson videos were so well done and packed with details and tangible tools. I feel strongly that my painting skills really grew through this course. I HIGHLY recommend it! - Penny

Over the years the most requested commissions I have gotten have been pet portraits. I remember when I first started I would charge $200 for a 9x12 inch portrait so if you got just two commissions this course would have paid for itself and then some!

"Chris' course was fantastic, I give it an A+, and I've taken a few on-line and in-person courses over the past few years. Whether you're a beginner, or think you paint pretty good, this course will take your skills to another level, at a minimum you will learn something new that will be quite helpful. The materials and instructions are easy to follow and then to watch Chris make it all look so easy, gives you the confidence to make mistakes and learn. Each and every painting I did got better. Thanks Chris" - Nancy