Fine Art- Portrait Drawing And Painting

About this course

Learners explore portrait and figure-making through observation, measured drawing and more expressive approaches. Sessions combine live demonstrations, guided exercises, independent portrait projects, contextual image analysis and discussion of traditional portrait artists. Work may involve live models or reference photographs, with attention to facial proportions, head rotation, tonal values, colour mixing and composition. Individual guidance, peer critique and group discussion are used throughout to review techniques and creative decisions. The course also includes opportunities to develop longer-duration drawings or paintings and to experiment with alternative approaches to picture-making.

What you'll learn

• Apply proportion and measurement when constructing portrait drawings and paintings
• Analyse head rotation and facial features through observational study
• Use tonal contrasts to model form in portrait work
• Mix colours for skin tones, highlights and shadows
• Develop portrait compositions using observation, contextual analysis and individual experimentation

Is this course right for you?

The course is designed for beginners, and no previous experience is required. Participation involves practical exercises, individual work, group discussions, peer critique and ongoing tutor guidance. Learners should be willing to experiment with portrait painting and engage with feedback while developing their own work.

• Includes sustained individual work on portrait projects
• Some activities involve working from live models or reference photographs
• Long-pose exercises allow work to continue over an extended sitting

Before you go

• The course uses oils, acrylics, dry and fluid media, and experimental collage.