Portrait drawing: expression in the face

About this course

The course examines how emotion and mood appear in the face, including the role of facial muscles as they contract and relax. Participants work from quick sketches towards more developed studies, considering structure, likeness, tone, volume and surface. Teaching combines talks, demonstrations, practical exercises, individual tutoring and group discussion. Examples from a range of artists are used to explore how mark-making can create lively and expressive drawings, with reflection on participants’ own work forming part of the learning process.

What you'll learn

• Draw facial expression and communicate emotion or mood
• Use tone to suggest volume and surface
• Construct the structure of the human head
• Draw the head from a range of viewpoints
• Apply varied drawing techniques for expressive effect

Is this course right for you?

The course is intended for improver-level learners with some portrait drawing experience who want to concentrate on facial expression. The level label suggests study beyond fundamental portrait techniques, while teaching includes individual work alongside demonstrations, discussion and reflection.

• Some portrait drawing experience is expected
• Teaching includes both individual tutoring and group discussion

Before you go

• All basic materials are provided