Portraiture – Intermediate

About this course

This course develops portrait drawing and painting through work from male and female live models. Participants examine composition, proportion, scale and likeness using observation and measured drawing, then apply these foundations to portrait studies in oil or acrylic. Sessions cover tonal, linear, gestural, alla prima and glazing approaches, alongside colour theory, palette organisation and colour mixing. Learners also investigate artists’ approaches and practise scaling and transferring drawings to canvas. Teaching includes individual verbal feedback, end-of-session group critiques and a Personal Learning Plan for setting goals.

What you'll learn

• Apply observational and measured drawing methods to develop likeness in portraiture
• Use scaling and traditional transfer methods to move drawings onto canvas
• Manipulate oil or acrylic paint using tonal, linear, gestural, alla prima and glazing approaches
• Mix colours and organise a palette using principles of colour theory
• Analyse different artists’ approaches to portrait drawing and painting

Is this course right for you?

The course is intended for learners with some prior knowledge of art materials, tools and techniques, rather than complete beginners. Participation includes observational work from live models, individual feedback and group critiques, with learners setting goals through a Personal Learning Plan. Participants must be aged 19 or over on 31 August before the course starts.

• Some prior knowledge of art materials, tools and techniques is required.
• Learners take part in group critiques and receive individual verbal feedback.

Before you go

• Paper is available to buy in class.