Anatomical portrait drawing

About this course

The course examines how the bones, muscles and fat beneath the skin shape the visible form of the human head and neck. Participants apply this understanding to portrait drawing, considering proportion, rotation, balance, gesture, motion and individual characteristics that contribute to likeness. Teaching combines talks, demonstrations, practical drawing, individual tutoring and group discussion. The emphasis is on working from observation, with learners also encouraged to reflect on their own drawings and use anatomical knowledge to inform their approach to form.

What you'll learn

• Distinguish between artistic and medical approaches to anatomy.
• Assess proportion, rotation and balance in drawings of the head.
• Draw portraits from different angles using basic anatomical structures of the head and neck.
• Explain how underlying bone, muscle and fat influence surface form.
• Use anatomical observation to analyse individual features and likeness.

Is this course right for you?

The course is labelled Improver and is intended for learners developing their drawing beyond fundamental techniques. Experience drawing from a life model would be useful, although previous anatomy study is not expected. Sessions include practical work, individual tutoring and group discussions, including opportunities to show and discuss work.

• Life-model drawing experience would be useful.
• Learners should be able to follow simple written and verbal instructions.
• Short written notes may be used to support demonstrations and hand-outs.

Before you go

• Basic materials are provided.
• An A4 or similar sketchbook is useful for written or visual notes during demonstrations.