Portraiture (All Levels)

About this course

The course develops observational methods for representing a portrait in three-dimensional space. Participants work with shape, line, scale, spatial relationships, tonal comparison, composition, proportion, geometry and perspective, using handouts alongside group and individual demonstrations. Sessions introduce pencil, charcoal, watercolour, ink and wash, with oils used when colour work is introduced. The course also covers colour mixing and relationships between colours, supported by an understanding of colour theory.

What you'll learn

• Apply observational principles to drawing and painting a portrait from a live model.
• Assess proportion, geometry, perspective, scale and spatial relationships in three-dimensional space.
• Use comparative tonal values, composition, shape and line when interpreting visual information.
• Work with pencil, charcoal, watercolour, ink, wash and oils.
• Mix colours and identify relationships between colours using colour theory.

Is this course right for you?

The course is designed for complete beginners, including those who have never drawn from a live model, as well as learners returning to drawing after a break. It also suits participants developing portrait drawing and painting skills. Teaching combines group and individual demonstrations with independent work from the model.

• Suitable for learners with no previous portrait drawing experience.
• Accommodates learners revisiting drawing after time away.
• Relevant to learners developing both portrait drawing and painting.

Before you go

• Bring a range of pencils, a putty rubber and charcoal initially.
• Bring kitchen towel for cleaning.
• Most materials can be bought in the school shop; a further materials list is provided when joining the course.