Portrait Painting course London: City Lit

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.

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Key course information

Dates
12/09/11 - 14/11/11

Day(s)
Mon

Duration
10 weeks

Time
14:00 - 17:00

Fees
Full fee: £214
Senior fee: £132
Concession: £101

Venue
KS - Keeley Street

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Course code
VM597

Availability
This course has finished

This course has finished

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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 in 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• Recognise narrative elements and art historical references in portraits.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, demonstrations, hand-outs and 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, demonstrations, informal lectures and group discussions.

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

Paint, brushes, boards and paper are provided. The tutor will advise you if you 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.

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. Your tutor will always listen to your suggestions and try to adapt the course to your needs if possible.

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 213 of the 11/12 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 City Lit to progress onto, in particular other portraiture classes. There are also courses such as the art foundation and the City Lit fine art course from which you 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 email us for advice or call us during these times:

Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays - 9.00 -12.00 & 15:00-18:00

Thursdays - 9.00-12.00

Saturdays - 14.00-17.00

To enrol on a course, call 020 7831 7831.

Select another date / day / time

Dates	Day(s)	Time	Duration	Fees	Snr	Conc	Code	Availability
09/01/12 to 12/03/12	Mon	10:00 - 13:00	10 weeks	£214	£132	£101	VM599	Full	» Select
10/01/12 to 13/03/12	Tue	18:00 - 21:00	10 weeks	£223	£223	£110	VM632	Full	» Select
23/04/12 to 02/07/12	Mon	10:00 - 13:00	9 weeks	£214	£132	£101	VM637	Available	» Select
12/09/11 to 14/11/11	Mon	14:00 - 17:00	10 weeks	£214	£132	£101	VM597	Finished	» Select

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Visual arts