Starting portraits

Learn how to represent people in drawing and painting through practical experience of the basic skills and key concepts involved. Includes scale and proportion, tone, three dimensional form and colour. Basic materials included.

» View full course outline

Key course information

Dates
13/09/10 - 15/11/10

There are more dates to choose from, click here

Day(s)
Mon

Duration
10 weeks

Time
14:00 - 17:00

Fees ?
Full fee: £204
Senior fee: £132
Concession: £102

Venue
KS - Keeley Street

» View location

Course code
VM597

Availability
Available
(status updated every 15 mins)

Enrol now

Enrol now

Call enrolments: 020 7831 7831

Download form and post

Still got questions?
visualarts@citylit.ac.uk or call 020 7492 2700


Course outline

What is the course about?

Through practical experience we will learn how to represent people in drawing and painting. We will also develop your knowledge of the basic skills and key concepts involved making portraits. This Includes learning about scale and proportion in relation to the human head, Use of lighting, tone and colour and a chance to experiment with drawing, painting and mixed media.

What topics will we cover?

Working directly from the model we will make observational studies and interpretations. We will learn about composition and key themes from the Art Historical traditions of portrait making. This will include the option of self-portrait projects and using narrative references in making portraits. We will look at how information can be gathered through sketching and brought together in a finished piece. There will be short projects around improving observational drawing throughout the course as well as content structured to your individual needs.

By the end of this course you should be able to:

• Develop your drawing from observation of the portrait subject
• Use painting techniques and colour mixing relevant to portraits
• Experiment with a range of compositions and make a selection
• Recognise narrative elements and art historical references in portraits.

What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?

Ideal for beginners but also mixed level

You should be able to follow simple written and verbal instructions to support demonstrations, hand-outs and for health and safety information, and will be invited to take part in group discussion.

Please look at the rest of the course outline carefully to decide if you may benefit from support in your English and Maths skills to help you to take part fully in this class.

How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?

The class will be primarily practical with one to one tuition, exercises and demontrations
Informal lectures and group discussions.

Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?

No, paint, brushes, boards & paper are provided, the tutor will advise students if they wish to buy additional art equipment.

Do I need to have an interview before I can enrol?

No.

What feedback will I get?

You will receive regular feedback from your tutor throughout the course, as and when appropriate. At the end of the course you and your tutor are asked to assess the progress you have made. Your tutor will always listen to your suggestions and try to adapt the course to your needs if possible.

How will I be able to give my views on the course?

Please complete the evaluation form at the end of your course. These are monitored and help us to continually improve our courses.

How do I find out if I can get some support for my learning?

You may be interested in: education and careers advice; financial and childcare support; disability support; support for Deaf and hearing-impaired students; dyslexia support; English and maths support; counselling, and library services (supported learning centre). To find out what may be available to you, and how to apply, see page 201 of the 10-11 course guide, or visit www.citylit.ac.uk/students

When I've finished, what course can I do next?

There are a vast array of art classes at CityLit to progress onto in particular other portraiture classes (STATE) and courses such as art foundation and citylit fine art courses where students could progress to Degree level.

General information and advice on courses at City Lit is available from the Information and Advice Shop, open Monday to Friday 12:00 – 19:00 during term time, and Monday to Friday 12:00 – 17:00 out of term time. See the course guide for term dates and further details.

Who can I contact for further information?

Tel: 020 7492 2700

visualarts@citylit.ac.uk

Please call or email for advice.

Select another date / day / time

Dates Day(s) Time Duration Fees Snr Conc Code Availability
13/09/10 to
15/11/10
Mon 14:00 - 17:00 10 weeks £204 £132 £102 VM597 Available » Select
10/01/11 to
14/03/11
Mon 14:00 - 17:00 10 weeks £204 £132 £102 VM599 Available » Select

Browse full range of courses

Click to view Click to close browse courses box

Contact us

Visual arts

Tel: 020 7492 2700

visualarts@citylit.ac.uk

Please call or email for advice.

Featured course

Featured course

Introduction to SketchUp Pro

More

Visual arts

Work from printmaking art classes

City Lit offers the most diverse range of  part-time, weekend and evening art courses in London, with many courses taught by successful artists and practitioners

More