Portrait Drawing (Autumn)

WEEKLY: Wednesdays, 2:00 pm – 4:30 pm

DATES

16, 23, 30 Sept

7, 14, 21 Oct

Half Term: 28th October 

4, 11, 18, 25 Nov

2, 9 Dec

Course Overview

Portrait Drawing is a course focusing on drawing the head and developing a greater understanding of proportions and capturing character. You’ll learn about the architecture of the head, neck and facial features, and how the underlying structure influences the surface form. By the end of the course, you’ll be able to depict the head from different viewpoints using a selection of materials and approaches. You’ll explore line, tone, sculptural mass and experiment with mark-making, working from a clothed portrait model while either sitting or standing at an easel.

Core Skills

• Proportions of the head  – Understanding the proportions of the head and facial features.

• Observation – Observing and drawing the tilts and angles of the head in a range of positions.

• Structure and form – Discovering shapes and planes within the head.

• Tone and light  – Analysing the logic of light and shade to create tonal drawings of the head using a range of different media.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course, you’ll be able to:

• Apply methods of perception to create more truthful and subtly observed drawings of the head.

• Develop the confidence to critique and correct your own artwork.

• Analyse the logic of light and shade and apply it to depicting tonal values on the head.

• Experiment with different media and techniques.

• Use drawing materials with increased skill and awareness of their mark-making possibilities.

• Analyse the drawings of other artists and experiment with their approaches in your own artwork.

Materials List

Please bring:

• Pencils (H, HB, 2B, 4B, 6B)

• Pencil sharpener or scalpel

• 2 bulldog clips

• Masking tape

• Willow charcoal (box of mixed sizes/thicknesses)

• A pad of A3 or A4 cartridge paper

• Putty rubber or ordinary eraser

• Monozero wedge-shaped pencil eraser

• 3 sheets of A3 or A2 beige/buff or grey mid-toned paper

• 1 or 2 sheets of black paper

• 4 sheets of A3 tracing paper

• Conte or pastel pencils in white, black and sanguine/brown

• A pan or tube of blue watercolour

• 2 sheets of A3 or A2 cold-pressed watercolour paper

• 2 watercolour brushes (advice will be given at the start of the course depending on budget)

Experienced students are welcome to incorporate materials of their choice.

For the first session, please bring:

• A few sheets of cartridge paper

• Pencils

• Charcoal

• Eraser

• Bulldog clips

Advice about additional materials will be offered during the first session if needed. A weekly syllabus will also be issued so you’ll know which materials to bring each week.

What to Wear

Generally this is not a particularly messy class, so you can wear what you choose. You may wish to wear an apron during lessons using charcoal or watercolour.

Tutor Bio:

Emily Burton holds a BA in Graphic Design, specialising in illustration, and an MA in Drawing. With nearly twenty years’ experience teaching a wide range of art courses, she brings both expertise and enthusiasm to her classes.

Emily enjoys working with adults of all levels, valuing the humour, life experience and curiosity they bring. Her teaching is clear and structured, yet responsive to the needs and individuality of each student. She aims to create a supportive environment that nurtures confidence while also challenging those with more experience.

In both her teaching and personal practice, Emily encourages rigorous observation and creative experimentation.

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