3-day course: Portrait Drawing [SAS22]

This course focuses on drawing the head and develops your knowledge of anatomical structure, facial proportions and features. You will also learn how to compose a portrait to express mood and reveal character. A range of linear and tonal methods will be explored and different techniques practiced. You will draw from a variety of clothed models and be taught how to depict the head from different viewpoints.

Two half day sessions will be spent developing an understanding of structure, features and proportions. For these sessions you will mainly draw from skulls and simplified sculptures of the head. For the rest of the course you will be drawing from live models. There will usually be two models sitting at a time to give participants variety and enable them to get closer to the model.

Suitable for all levels, although some previous drawing experience will be an asset. All participants will work from an easel either sitting or standing.

CORE SKILLS: 

• Understanding main proportions and anatomy of the head.
• Measuring, alignment, shape finding and drawing the head from different viewpoints.
• Tonal values, the theory and application of light and shade.
• Develop your own personal response.

MATERIALS LIST: 

A2 or A3 cartridge paper and/or coloured paper, 2 or 3 sheets of mid-toned paper (suggest brown or grey), collection of drawing pencils (HB, B, 2B, 4B, 6B), eraser, box of mixed size willow charcoal, conte or pastel pencils or crayons in white, black (and colours if you wish), 2 sheets of A2 tracing paper, masking tape, 2 bulldog clips, ruler and mono-zero eraser.

Optional: Light coloured oil bar and zest-it turps substitute, A4 or A5 sketchbook, any other personally preferred materials such as pastels, paint, pens.