Good Artists: Portraiture (All Levels)

About this course

The course explores portraiture through drawing and painting from a supplied model. Learners develop ways to describe three-dimensional form, space, likeness, light, tone, colour and expression, using media including pencil, charcoal, chalk pastel and paint. Demonstrations introduce approaches used by portrait artists from different periods, while learners can concentrate mainly on drawing or progress towards oil, acrylic or watercolour painting. Beginners and those with limited experience are guided through black-and-white drawing before working with colour; more experienced learners can organise their own direction.

What you'll learn

• Construct a sense of three-dimensional form through black-and-white portrait drawing
• Develop a portrait likeness by considering facial contours, proportion and the subject’s position in space
• Use pencils, charcoal and chalk pastels to explore tone, form and expression
• Mix and apply colour with attention to light, contrast, tone and paint handling
• Analyse portrait techniques from historical and contemporary artists and apply relevant approaches to personal work

Is this course right for you?

The course is intended for all levels, including beginners and learners with limited experience. Beginners are introduced to portrait construction through drawing before moving towards colour and painting, while experienced learners are encouraged to structure their own learning. Sessions involve working from a supplied model.

• Learners may keep drawing as their main focus rather than moving into painting
• More experienced participants can set their own direction within the course

Before you go

• Bring any drawing and painting materials already available, such as pencils, charcoal, acrylic paints, brushes and paper.
• For painting, the source recommends a rigid surface such as a gessoed wooden panel, at least 30cm by 40cm.
• Bring Paynes Grey in watercolour, or Paynes Grey and Titanium White in acrylic.
• Further paper and other items can be purchased from the school shop.