Portrait Drawing for Beginners

About this course

Participants draw from a live model while studying the human figure through observation and structured exercises. The course introduces continuous-line drawing, gesture work with charcoal and pencil, and the use of weight, mark-making and modelling to describe form. Sessions also examine human proportions, common figure-drawing errors and ways to suggest depth through tonal variation. The course is designed as an introduction to life drawing, with activities focused on developing core observational and figure-drawing skills.

What you'll learn

• Use line, tone and mark-making in figure drawings
• Apply continuous-line and gesture-drawing techniques with charcoal and pencil
• Identify key relationships in human proportions
• Recognise common errors in figure drawing
• Create a sense of depth through tonal modelling

Is this course right for you?

This is an introductory course for learners studying the human figure through drawing from a live model. Some previous drawing experience is helpful, although the course is suitable for a range of experience levels.

• Some drawing experience, such as having attended a beginners’ drawing class, is helpful
• The course involves sustained observation and drawing from a live model

Before you go

• Participants need to provide their own charcoal, soft pencils, erasers, paints, pastels and an A5 or A4 sketchbook.
• Materials advice will be provided in the first session.
• The classroom is accessible by stairs and lift.