The Making of a Master

My name is Toby Boothman, and I’ve been a practising artist since 1994.

At the age of 21, I had the rare opportunity to study classical painting at the Atelier Neo Medici in Monflanquin, France. Under the mentorship of Patrick Betaudier, I was trained in the nearly forgotten techniques of the Old Masters—specifically those of Jan van Eyck. These foundational methods, rooted in underpainting and layered glazes, have shaped every aspect of my artistic journey.

Over the past 30 years, I’ve dedicated myself to mastering and preserving this traditional approach. In 2020, I published Secrets of the Old Masters, a book that pairs my own work with that of the great painters who inspire me, offering insight into the craft and technique behind each image.

In addition to my own studio practice, I now teach these methods through a 12-week course, where students create a complete painting using the classical stages: underdrawing, monochrome underpainting, and glazed colour layers. The course makes these once-guarded techniques accessible—and the results have been remarkable. Many students are amazed at the level of work they’re able to produce.

You can view my work at www.tobyboothman.com

My personal projects have focused on understanding and reinterpreting the techniques of Leonardo da Vinci, Vermeer, and, most recently, Caravaggio. Over the past year, I’ve been working on a major piece: my own interpretation of The Supper at Emmaus, originally painted by Caravaggio in 1601. In 2026, the world will mark its 425th anniversary—a fitting moment to honour and revisit this masterpiece through the lens of traditional craft.