Portrait painting: two session pose

About this course

Learners develop an oil portrait from an initial paint sketch into a more complete, layered and refined work, using portrait models who maintain the same pose across both sessions. The course covers proportion, head rotation, tonal handling, colour mixing and the effects of colour temperature, paint consistency and brush application. Teaching combines practical demonstrations, tutor demonstrations, one-to-one tuition and group discussion. Examples from traditional portrait artists are used as a source of reference, alongside reflection on participants’ own work.

What you'll learn

• Construct a portrait composition from an initial paint sketch.
• Improve observational accuracy when representing the structure of the head from different viewpoints.
• Develop tonal handling of light and shade in an oil portrait.
• Mix and apply oil paint with attention to colour temperature, consistency and brushwork.
• Layer, modify and refine a portrait over two sessions.

Is this course right for you?

The course is intended for improver-level learners with some basic life or portrait drawing experience. Participants work from observation with portrait models and develop one painting across two sessions. Teaching includes demonstrations, individual tuition, group discussion and reflection on personal work.

• Some observational drawing or painting experience is expected.
• The same portrait pose is used across both sessions.
• The course includes both individual tuition and group discussion.

Before you go

• Basic painting and drawing materials are included.
• Primed paper is provided; participants may bring a canvas or board if preferred.