City Lit year of the figure and portrait

About this course

Work centres on drawing the head and body from life, with attention to proportion, structure, volume and anatomy. Painting sessions introduce ground preparation, colour mixing and brush techniques for representing flesh and form, alongside more expressive approaches. Teaching combines practical demonstrations, one-to-one guidance, tutorials, informal lectures and group discussions. Learners may develop projects from live observation, photographs, personal narratives, artist references, memory or imagination, while considering historical and contemporary approaches to representing the human form.

What you'll learn

• Develop observational drawings of the human figure and head with greater attention to proportion, structure and volume.
• Apply painting techniques, including ground preparation, brushwork and colour mixing for naturalistic and expressive flesh tones.
• Experiment with composition and image-making approaches based on memory, imagination, photographs and found images.
• Recognise how images of the figure can communicate ideas about identity, personality and narrative.
• Relate approaches to figure and portrait representation to historical, modern and contemporary artist contexts.

Is this course right for you?

The course is intended for learners with some prior experience of life drawing and painting. Participation involves practical studio sessions with a live model, project discussions and one-to-one support, alongside independent research and personal development outside class. Learners should be prepared for sustained commitment and to discuss their ideas and developing work.

Before you go

• Basic materials and resources are included.
• Learners are advised to have an A5 or A4 sketchbook for sketching, experimentation and recording ideas.
• Those specialising in painting are encouraged to invest in their own brushes, canvas and boards. Advice on materials and equipment is provided during the course.