Anatomical portrait drawing
Time: 10:00 - 17:00
Location: Keeley Street
- Course Code: VH364
- Dates: 04/07/25 - 18/07/25
- Time: 10:00 - 17:00
- Taught: Fri, Daytime
- Duration: 3 sessions (over 3 weeks)
- Location: Keeley Street
- Tutor: Andrea Voisey
Course Code: VH364
Duration: 3 sessions (over 3 weeks)
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What is the course about?
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?
All materials are included.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
Anatomical Life Drawing
Portraits 1 and 2.
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.