How long does it take to learn to paint a portrait?

Short answer: Most adults can paint a recognizable head study within weeks of focused, guided practice, but a convincing, lifelike portrait usually takes years of steady work. Progress depends far more on regular practice from life and good feedback than on talent.

Early wins come fast

With a limited palette and a clear process, a beginner can often finish a readable head study in a two day workshop. That first result is real, and it is motivating.

Likeness takes longer

Capturing a specific person, with correct proportion, subtle value and living edges, is a long skill. Painters keep improving at it for their whole careers.

What speeds it up

Drawing regularly. Painting from life, not only photographs. Short, frequent studies instead of rare, long paintings. And a teacher who can name the one thing to fix next.