Enhance your portraits by uncovering what lies beneath the surface. Through demonstration and direct observation of the model you will examine proportion, rotation and the key anatomical structures of the head and neck that denote likeness.
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To anatomize is to take something apart. On this course we will: - Investigate what structures make up the face, head and neck - How these structures work in co-ordination with each other to create attitude and expression - Incorporate this visual information into portrait drawings to create likeness.
What will we cover?
- Proportion - Rotation of the head - Underlying bony structures - Musculature in terms of its role in support and expression - Individual characteristics that denote likeness There will be a lot of emphasis on observation.
What will I achieve? By the end of this course you should be able to...
- Draw a portrait from a variety of angles taking into account the basic anatomical structures of the head and neck - Understand how to measure proportion - Draw portraits with a more informed eye.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
The course is introductory level; you are not expected to have any previous experience of studying anatomy. Some experience of drawing figure or portraits from the life-model would be useful but beginners who want to challenge themselves are welcome. You should be able to follow simple written and verbal instructions and also be able to take short written notes to support demonstrations and hand-outs. You will be invited to take part in group discussions, mainly in the form of “show and tell”.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
Practical work in the studio, with some demonstration by the tutor. Individual tutoring with regular feedback and some brief discussion in the group.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
Andrea studied Drawing at Camberwell College and textiles at Morley College, where she also did her teacher training. She has a passion for the macabre and much of her recent practice has focused on drawing animal skulls and skeletons. She has a particular interest in comparative anatomy which led her to devise the Anatomical Life and Portrait Drawing courses at City Lit. Observational drawing is at the core of her practice and she uses it as a means of recording the world around her, be it the clutter of the studio, a music gig or a specimen in a museum. Andrea has an energetic approach to teaching. She is highly communicative and strives to create a positive group dynamic whilst being sensitive to the needs of individual students. This has been enriched by her extensive experience as a life model which she has used as a unique opportunity to observe first-hand the teaching methods and creative processes of many artists and has applied this knowledge to develop her own distinctive teaching style. Examples of her work can be found at www.instagram.com/voiseydrawing
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.
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https://www.citylit.ac.uk/anatomical-portrait-drawing286869Anatomical portrait drawinghttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/i/m/img_3195.jpg249249GBPInStock/Courses/Courses/Art & design/Courses/Art & design/Drawing/Courses/Art & design/Drawing/Life drawing & portraiture22851132114817531228511321148Enhance your portraits by uncovering what lies beneath the surface. Through demonstration and direct observation of the model you will examine proportion, rotation and the key anatomical structures of the head and neck that denote likeness.252531677Anatomical portrait drawing249249https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/i/m/img_3195_13.jpgInStockDaytimeFriKeeley StreetAvailable courses1 to 4 weeksWeekday2026-06-26T00:00:00+00:00Beginners, Some experienceJun 2026Art & designVH364249249Anatomical portrait drawing199162249Andrea Voiseyanatomical-portrait-drawing/vh364-2526Enhance your portraits by uncovering what lies beneath the surface. Through demonstration and direct observation of the model you will examine proportion, rotation and the key anatomical structures of the head and neck that denote likeness.0000-Available|2026-06-26 00:00:00To anatomize is to take something apart. On this course we will:<br/>- Investigate what structures make up the face, head and neck<br/>- How these structures work in co-ordination with each other to create attitude and expression <br/>- Incorporate this visual information into portrait drawings to create likeness.Enhance your portraits by uncovering what lies beneath the surface. Through demonstration and direct observation of the model you will examine proportion, rotation and the key anatomical structures of the head and neck that denote likeness.- Proportion<br/>- Rotation of the head<br/>- Underlying bony structures<br/>- Musculature in terms of its role in support and expression<br/>- Individual characteristics that denote likeness<br/>There will be a lot of emphasis on observation.- Draw a portrait from a variety of angles taking into account the basic anatomical structures of the head and neck<br/>- Understand how to measure proportion<br/>- Draw portraits with a more informed eye.The course is introductory level; you are not expected to have any previous experience of studying anatomy. Some experience of drawing figure or portraits from the life-model would be useful but beginners who want to challenge themselves are welcome.<br/>You should be able to follow simple written and verbal instructions and also be able to take short written notes to support demonstrations and hand-outs. You will be invited to take part in group discussions, mainly in the form of “show and tell”.Practical work in the studio, with some demonstration by the tutor. Individual tutoring with regular feedback and some brief discussion in the group.All materials are included.Anatomical Life Drawing<br/>Portraits 1 and 2.DrawingLife drawing & portraiturevirtual3030130Anatomical portrait drawing299299https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/i/m/img_3195_12.jpgInStockEveningTueKeeley StreetAvailable courses5-10 weeksWeekday2026-11-17T00:00:00+00:00Nov 2026Art & designVH136299299Anatomical portrait drawing239194299Andrea Voiseyanatomical-portrait-drawing/vh136-2627<p>Discover the extraordinary construction of the human head. Through direct observation of the model you will examine the fundamental anatomical structures that underlie portrait drawing. For those with some drawing experience.</p>0000-Available|2026-11-17 00:00:00<p>To anatomize is to take something apart. This course aims to give you a basic grounding in how anatomical structures affect surface forms of the head and how to work this knowledge into your drawing practice.<br><br>This course focuses on portrait drawing. The structure of the human head, and in particular, the face, is a broad subject in its own right. The unifying theme will be to understand how superficial anatomical structures (i.e. bone and muscle) influence form, rotation, proportion and likeness. Emphasis will be on working from observation.</p><p>Discover the extraordinary construction of the human head. Through direct observation of the model you will examine the fundamental anatomical structures that underlie portrait drawing. For those with some drawing experience.</p><p>- Proportion<br>- Rotation<br>- Uniquely human anatomical characteristics<br>- How form is dictated by underlying bony structures<br>- How form is dictated by underlying muscle and fat<br>- Musculature in terms of its role in gesture and motion<br>- Individual characteristics that denote likeness</p><p>- Differentiate between artistic and medical anatomy<br>- Better understand proportion, rotation and balance<br>- Draw a portrait from a variety of angles taking into account the basic anatomical structures of the head and neck<br>- Grasp how the superficial structures expand and contract depending on their position and force exerted upon them<br>- An improved understanding of what is going on beneath the surface of the skin that will inform the way you approach drawing form<br>- Begin to produce portrait drawings with a more informed eye for human anatomy that will become more evidential as the course and your practice progresses.</p><p>Experience of drawing from the life model would be extremely useful, although you are not expected to have any previous experience of studying anatomy.<br><br>You should be able to follow simple written and verbal instructions and also be able to take short written notes to support demonstrations and hand-outs. You will be invited to take part in group discussions, mainly in the form of “show and tell”.</p><p>Talks, practical work, demonstrations, individual tutoring and group discussion. You will be encouraged to visit medical collections to draw from their specimens. The emphasis will be on observational drawing. Self-reflection is an important part of learning in art education and creative practice. You will be encouraged to engage with reflecting on your own work and progress as part of the learning process in Visual Arts</p><p>All basic materials are provided.<br>An A4 (or similar) sketchbook would be useful if you wish to take written or visual notes during demonstrations.</p><p>Further portrait drawing and painting courses as advised by your tutor possibilities include;<br>Portraits 1<br>Portraits 2</p><p>Portraits 3<br>VH753 City Lit Year of the Figure and Portrait.</p>DrawingLife drawing & portraiturevirtual3067579Anatomical portrait drawing299299https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/i/m/img_3195_14.jpgInStockDaytimeFriKeeley StreetAvailable courses1 to 4 weeksWeekday2027-07-02T00:00:00+00:00Beginners, Some experienceJul 2027Art & designVH364299299Anatomical portrait drawing239194299Andrea Voiseyanatomical-portrait-drawing/vh364-2627Enhance your portraits by uncovering what lies beneath the surface. Through demonstration and direct observation of the model you will examine proportion, rotation and the key anatomical structures of the head and neck that denote likeness.0000-Available|2027-07-02 00:00:00To anatomize is to take something apart. On this course we will:<br>- Investigate what structures make up the face, head and neck<br>- How these structures work in co-ordination with each other to create attitude and expression <br>- Incorporate this visual information into portrait drawings to create likeness.Enhance your portraits by uncovering what lies beneath the surface. Through demonstration and direct observation of the model you will examine proportion, rotation and the key anatomical structures of the head and neck that denote likeness.- Proportion<br>- Rotation of the head<br>- Underlying bony structures<br>- Musculature in terms of its role in support and expression<br>- Individual characteristics that denote likeness<br>There will be a lot of emphasis on observation.- Draw a portrait from a variety of angles taking into account the basic anatomical structures of the head and neck<br>- Understand how to measure proportion<br>- Draw portraits with a more informed eye.The course is introductory level; you are not expected to have any previous experience of studying anatomy. Some experience of drawing figure or portraits from the life-model would be useful but beginners who want to challenge themselves are welcome.<br>You should be able to follow simple written and verbal instructions and also be able to take short written notes to support demonstrations and hand-outs. You will be invited to take part in group discussions, mainly in the form of “show and tell”.<p>Practical work in the studio, with some demonstration by the tutor. Individual tutoring with regular feedback and some brief discussion in the group. Self-reflection is an important part of learning in art education and creative practice. You will be encouraged to engage with reflecting on your own work and progress as part of the learning process in Visual Arts</p>All materials are included.Anatomical Life Drawing<br>Portraits 1 and 2.DrawingLife drawing & portraiturevirtual199,239249,299162,194VH364,VH136NONEFri,Tue26/06/26 - 10/07/2610:30 - 16:3010:3016:303 sessions (over 3 weeks)31 to 4 weeks,5-10 weeksDaytime,EveningWeekdayKSKeeley StreetAndrea VoiseyAvailable courses2026-06-26T00:00:00+00:00,2026-11-17T00:00:00+00:00,2027-07-02T00:00:00+00:00Jun 2026,Nov 2026,Jul 2027Art & design249249,299Anatomical portrait drawinganatomical-portrait-drawing/vh364-2526,anatomical-portrait-drawing/vh136-2627,anatomical-portrait-drawing/vh364-2627Enhance your portraits by uncovering what lies beneath the surface. Through demonstration and direct observation of the model you will examine proportion, rotation and the key anatomical structures of the head and neck that denote likeness.,<p>Discover the extraordinary construction of the human head. Through direct observation of the model you will examine the fundamental anatomical structures that underlie portrait drawing. For those with some drawing experience.</p>0000-Available|2026-06-26 00:00:00To anatomize is to take something apart. On this course we will:<br/>- Investigate what structures make up the face, head and neck<br/>- How these structures work in co-ordination with each other to create attitude and expression <br/>- Incorporate this visual information into portrait drawings to create likeness.,<p>To anatomize is to take something apart. This course aims to give you a basic grounding in how anatomical structures affect surface forms of the head and how to work this knowledge into your drawing practice.<br><br>This course focuses on portrait drawing. The structure of the human head, and in particular, the face, is a broad subject in its own right. The unifying theme will be to understand how superficial anatomical structures (i.e. bone and muscle) influence form, rotation, proportion and likeness. Emphasis will be on working from observation.</p>,To anatomize is to take something apart. On this course we will:<br>- Investigate what structures make up the face, head and neck<br>- How these structures work in co-ordination with each other to create attitude and expression <br>- Incorporate this visual information into portrait drawings to create likeness.Enhance your portraits by uncovering what lies beneath the surface. Through demonstration and direct observation of the model you will examine proportion, rotation and the key anatomical structures of the head and neck that denote likeness.,<p>Discover the extraordinary construction of the human head. Through direct observation of the model you will examine the fundamental anatomical structures that underlie portrait drawing. For those with some drawing experience.</p>- Proportion<br/>- Rotation of the head<br/>- Underlying bony structures<br/>- Musculature in terms of its role in support and expression<br/>- Individual characteristics that denote likeness<br/>There will be a lot of emphasis on observation.,<p>- Proportion<br>- Rotation<br>- Uniquely human anatomical characteristics<br>- How form is dictated by underlying bony structures<br>- How form is dictated by underlying muscle and fat<br>- Musculature in terms of its role in gesture and motion<br>- Individual characteristics that denote likeness</p>,- Proportion<br>- Rotation of the head<br>- Underlying bony structures<br>- Musculature in terms of its role in support and expression<br>- Individual characteristics that denote likeness<br>There will be a lot of emphasis on observation.- Draw a portrait from a variety of angles taking into account the basic anatomical structures of the head and neck<br/>- Understand how to measure proportion<br/>- Draw portraits with a more informed eye.,<p>- Differentiate between artistic and medical anatomy<br>- Better understand proportion, rotation and balance<br>- Draw a portrait from a variety of angles taking into account the basic anatomical structures of the head and neck<br>- Grasp how the superficial structures expand and contract depending on their position and force exerted upon them<br>- An improved understanding of what is going on beneath the surface of the skin that will inform the way you approach drawing form<br>- Begin to produce portrait drawings with a more informed eye for human anatomy that will become more evidential as the course and your practice progresses.</p>,- Draw a portrait from a variety of angles taking into account the basic anatomical structures of the head and neck<br>- Understand how to measure proportion<br>- Draw portraits with a more informed eye.The course is introductory level; you are not expected to have any previous experience of studying anatomy. Some experience of drawing figure or portraits from the life-model would be useful but beginners who want to challenge themselves are welcome.<br/>You should be able to follow simple written and verbal instructions and also be able to take short written notes to support demonstrations and hand-outs. You will be invited to take part in group discussions, mainly in the form of “show and tell”.,<p>Experience of drawing from the life model would be extremely useful, although you are not expected to have any previous experience of studying anatomy.<br><br>You should be able to follow simple written and verbal instructions and also be able to take short written notes to support demonstrations and hand-outs. You will be invited to take part in group discussions, mainly in the form of “show and tell”.</p>,The course is introductory level; you are not expected to have any previous experience of studying anatomy. Some experience of drawing figure or portraits from the life-model would be useful but beginners who want to challenge themselves are welcome.<br>You should be able to follow simple written and verbal instructions and also be able to take short written notes to support demonstrations and hand-outs. You will be invited to take part in group discussions, mainly in the form of “show and tell”.Practical work in the studio, with some demonstration by the tutor. Individual tutoring with regular feedback and some brief discussion in the group.,<p>Talks, practical work, demonstrations, individual tutoring and group discussion. You will be encouraged to visit medical collections to draw from their specimens. The emphasis will be on observational drawing. Self-reflection is an important part of learning in art education and creative practice. You will be encouraged to engage with reflecting on your own work and progress as part of the learning process in Visual Arts</p>,<p>Practical work in the studio, with some demonstration by the tutor. Individual tutoring with regular feedback and some brief discussion in the group. Self-reflection is an important part of learning in art education and creative practice. You will be encouraged to engage with reflecting on your own work and progress as part of the learning process in Visual Arts</p>All materials are included.,<p>All basic materials are provided.<br>An A4 (or similar) sketchbook would be useful if you wish to take written or visual notes during demonstrations.</p>Anatomical Life Drawing<br/>Portraits 1 and 2.,<p>Further portrait drawing and painting courses as advised by your tutor possibilities include;<br>Portraits 1<br>Portraits 2</p><p>Portraits 3<br>VH753 City Lit Year of the Figure and Portrait.</p>,Anatomical Life Drawing<br>Portraits 1 and 2.DrawingLife drawing & portraitureconfigurable