Ready to transform your portraits?
Are you ready to start creating artwork that looks lifelike and REAL?
This is the portrait course you’ve been looking for.
4,000
Satisfied Academy students
500,000
Podcast Listens


Expert Guidance Every Step of the Way!
You'll be guided through the step-by-step processes that John uses to create his award-winning colored pencil portraits, including:
- Selecting the pose
- Editing the photo
- Setting up the workspace
- Taking art notes on approach
- Testing the colors and color swatching
- The layout process and choice of paper and medium
- The several stages of rendering the drawing
- Final considerations and protecting the piece
This course includes bite-sized exercises to fully learn each facial feature in isolation.
Plus full portrait demonstrations in real-time recorded video.
You’ll be able to follow along from beginning to end, understanding the human head and then moving on to fundamental portrait development.
Watch the Video 👆
Let me tell you why I created the FACE VALUE program
Why I created this portrait course
Beyond a Pretty Photo
In FACE VALUE, I share my complete colored pencil portrait process, transforming you from being unsure to being capable of breathtaking realism.
Imagine capturing life's essence on paper, the glint in an eye, the warmth of a smile – this program empowers you to create portraits that transcend mere pictures, becoming cherished memories and testaments to your own artistic growth and unique style.
Enroll NowYou'll Learn How To Approach Any Face and Head
and to see like an artist

Guidance
Get The Support and Training You Need
From Confusion to Creation: Tired of struggling with facial features? This program empowers you to dissect, analyze, and master the human face and head.
Build confidence in your drawing and shading abilities, and create realistic colored pencil portraits you'll be proud of!

Foundational Training
Demystify The Head, Then Master Stunning Portraits
Begin by unlocking the secrets of the human head, its structure, and proportions.
We unlock the power of 3 iconic construction methods (Loomis, Asaro Head, Reilly) and transform your understanding of head and facial anatomy.
This gives you the confidence to choose the right model and pose to match your artistic vision!

Community
Get inspired by other artists!
Get inspired & connect!
Exclusive FACE VALUE community with private circles coming 2025.
Share, learn, grow.
Connect with fellow artists, share your work, and learn from each other in our vibrant Office Hours and gain insights in our Q&A sessions.
Get inspired, share ideas, and grow your artistic journey!
A Little About Me


Award-winning artist, instructor, podcaster, and show judge John Middick (CPSA) wears many hats, but his main focus is helping other artists.
After a 20-year hiatus, he reignited his artistic passion and has since become an influential voice in the Colored Pencil community. He seeks to provide other aspiring artists with easy access to resources and information about developing their craft.

“Best investment I've ever made…”
“I admit that I swallowed hard at the price when I first signed up for John's "Face Value" course. But three years later, that purchase -- and others I've made from John since then -- are among the best investments I've ever made. John is an amazing teacher; knowledgeable, perceptive, articulate, and honest but always kind and constructive in critique. I haven't found any other online program that offers the range of opportunities and personal availability that John offers, from recorded courses through live teaching, group discussions, individual mentoring and this community. What I've learned here is more than worth the price.”
Catherine Murphy

“The support is absolute key...”
“The support of John and the others I have met at Sharpened Artist is the absolute key to my future success.
The Office Hours, where I get to interact with John and colored pencil artists of all levels of skill, help me so much. Sitting through John's online critiques and listening to the feedback from other Sharpened Artist students helps me learn without just running my face right into a wall (ie. the hard way.)”
Gary Etherton

“beyond my expectations...”
“For so many years I purchased colored pencil books, wanting to learn the correct way to use colored pencils. John's teaching methods of layering and blending are beyond my expectations!"
Dee Siffer
What's Included


On-Demand
Video Lessons
Instead of feeling stuck and isolated, imagine having expert guidance at your fingertips, 24/7. These on-demand lessons are like having a personal colored pencil portrait mentor, revealing the secrets used by professionals. No more waiting for classes or feeling lost - learn at your own pace, anytime, anywhere.

Downloadable
In-Depth Resources
Each lesson comes with a downloadable companion booklet packed with step-by-step exercises and helpful tips in the side margin, with notes and room practice. Fill the gaps between videos, solidify your learning, and watch your skills skyrocket.

Engaging
Online Community
Ditch the solo struggle and join a vibrant community of passionate artists just like you. Share your work, get feedback, and learn from each other's successes and challenges. This supportive network will fuel your motivation, boost your confidence, and keep you inspired on your artistic journey.
Trying to Decide?
This course is for you if...
- You're ready to advance to a new skill level and fix any gaps in your foundation!
- You've been trying to learn on your own but haven't achieved the results you want.
- You crave feedback and support, but lack a community of like-minded artists to help you grow.
- You're ready to study and learn each facial feature in isolation.
- You want to increase your enjoyment and fulfillment in drawing.
This course is not for you if...
- You're completely satisfied with your current skill level.
- You prefer to learn in isolation and have no interest in personalized instruction and/or community support.
- You're not ready to invest in yourself and gain the confidence to tackle projects and techniques you once thought were impossible.
Beyond the Basics
Learn the techniques that transform your art
- Mastering facial features: Master each feature from multiple angles, ensuring confidence with any pose.
- Surface exploration: Unleash your creativity on diverse papers - sanded, cotton, watercolor, and even toned surfaces!
- Medium mastery: Learn how to skillfully harness the distinct characteristics of oil and wax-based colored pencils.
- Solvent Options: Learn the hows and whys of using solvents effectively.
- Freehand Skills: Unlock the secrets of freehand drawing to begin recognizing the subtle differences between features.
- Pencil Proficiency: Hone your technique with proven pencil methods that transcend materials, tools, or surfaces.
- Advanced Mixed Media Techniques: Learn how to use PanPastels and other unique tools for improved effects and impactful backgrounds.


Let's pick the best access level for you!


Give It a Try for 14 Days
If you don't love it, you'll receive your money back, no questions asked.