Self-Portrait: Expressing Identity

About this course

Participants examine self-portraiture through traditional and contemporary approaches, considering its historical and cultural context and how artists communicate identity, emotion and experience. Practical work includes studies from mirrors and photographs, facial structure and expression, layering, texturing, mark-making, abstraction and symbolism. The course also explores composition, props, environment and found objects as ways to develop visual narrative. Learners plan and refine a final self-portrait or cohesive collection, combining sketches and studies with expressive and conceptual choices. Teaching includes discussion of artists’ work, group critiques, reflection and one-to-one tutor feedback.

What you'll learn

• Apply facial proportion, structure, line and shading techniques in self-portrait studies
• Experiment with charcoal, acrylics, inks, drawing, painting, mixed media and collage
• Use colour, gesture, abstraction and symbolism to communicate identity, emotion or narrative
• Analyse historical and contemporary self-portraiture in relation to themes and artistic methods
• Develop a cohesive self-portrait concept using composition, personal materials, props or environment

Is this course right for you?

The course is marked Improver and is described as suitable for both beginners and more experienced artists. The level label may indicate a focus beyond basic introductory work, while the teaching combines individual making with group critiques, discussion and one-to-one feedback.

• Suitable for beginners as well as more experienced artists
• Includes group critique and individual tutor feedback

Before you go

• All materials, including paper, brushes and other art supplies, are provided.