Painting
Introduction to painting portraits
An improver-level acrylic portrait class covering head proportions, viewpoints, tonal structure and skin-tone colour mixing through work from life.
Choose a date before booking
Upcoming classes
1 class
About this course
Participants use acrylic paint to study portraiture from life, examining the proportions, volume and form of the head from full-face, profile and three-quarter viewpoints. Drawing and painting exercises develop line, tone, light and colour mixing for skin tones, while demonstrations address common portraiture mistakes. Teaching combines one-to-one tuition, group discussion and slide shows, with examples from artists’ portrait drawings and paintings providing reference points. Optional homework and reflection on participants’ own work are included in the learning approach.
What you'll learn
- Apply basic proportions when drawing and painting the head
- Draw and paint portraits from full-face, profile and three-quarter viewpoints
- Mix paint to create skin tones
- Use light and tone to suggest volume in a portrait
Is this course right for you?
The course is listed at Improver level and is described as mixed ability. Previous study in life or portrait drawing, or Drawing 1 or 2, is identified as beneficial but not stated as a requirement. Participation combines individual tuition with group discussion, optional homework and reflection on personal work.
- Previous life or portrait drawing study may be beneficial.
- Teaching includes both individual tuition and group discussion.
- Optional homework is available.
Before you go
- All basic materials are provided.
- The tutor can advise learners considering investing in their own brushes or canvases.