Drawing and painting portraits: traditional techniques
This structured course introduces traditional approaches to drawing then painting portraits from observation of the life model. Suitable for all levels but some previous drawing experience an...
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The course will explore a variety of traditional drawing and painting techniques to develop your confidence in drawing portraits. You will first develop drawing skills in how to structure and proportion the human face then work towards constructing and composing a painting.
What will we cover?
Proportion Rotation of the head Methods for improving observational portrait painting Tonal painting for portraits Colour mixing in paint for portraits Taking inspiration from traditional portrait artists.
What will I achieve? By the end of this course you should be able to...
- Draw the structure of the head from a range of viewpoints - Use light and shade to develop form in the human head - Mix colour palettes to denote temperature and hue for skin tones - Employ a range of approaches to brush application - Develop a portrait in paint informed by observational drawing.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
This course is suitable for all levels - some previous drawing experience would be an advantage.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
You will learn by practical demonstration, looking at the work of portrait artists, one to one tuition, tutor demos and group discussion.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
All basic materials will be provided.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
Portraits 1, progressing to Portraits 2 which run throughout the year. Year of the Figure and Portrait.
We’re sorry. We don’t have a bio ready for the tutor of this class at the moment, but we’re working on it! Watch this space.
product
https://www.citylit.ac.uk/drawing-and-painting-portraits-traditional-techniques2490052Drawing and painting portraits: traditional techniqueshttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/s/o/sophievand_by_andrea_2.jpg319319GBPInStock/Courses/Courses/Art & design/Courses/Art & design/Painting/Courses/Art & design/Painting/Life painting & portraiture22851132191619251228511321916This structured course introduces traditional approaches to drawing then painting portraits from observation of the life model. Suitable for all levels but some previous drawing experience an advantage.00https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/d/r/drawing_01.pnghttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/l/_/l_jones_portraitv2_7.jpg2532151Drawing and painting portraits: traditional techniques319319https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/s/o/sophievand_by_andrea_3.jpgInStockEveningThuKeeley StreetAvailable courses5-10 weeksWeekday2026-01-15T00:00:00+00:00BeginnersJan 2026Art & designVH163319319Drawing and painting portraits: traditional techniques255207319drawing-and-painting-portraits-traditional-techniques/vh163-2526This structured course introduces traditional approaches to drawing then painting portraits from observation of the life model. Suitable for all levels but some previous drawing experience an advantage.0000-Available|2026-01-15 00:00:00The course will explore a variety of traditional drawing and painting techniques to develop your confidence in drawing portraits. You will first develop drawing skills in how to structure and proportion the human face then work towards constructing and composing a painting.This structured course introduces traditional approaches to drawing then painting portraits from observation of the life model. Suitable for all levels but some previous drawing experience an advantage.Proportion <br/> Rotation of the head <br/> Methods for improving observational portrait painting <br/> Tonal painting for portraits <br/> Colour mixing in paint for portraits <br/> Taking inspiration from traditional portrait artists.<br/>- Draw the structure of the head from a range of viewpoints<br/>- Use light and shade to develop form in the human head<br/>- Mix colour palettes to denote temperature and hue for skin tones<br/>- Employ a range of approaches to brush application<br/>- Develop a portrait in paint informed by observational drawing.This course is suitable for all levels - some previous drawing experience would be an advantage.You will learn by practical demonstration, looking at the work of portrait artists, one to one tuition, tutor demos and group discussion.All basic materials will be provided.Portraits 1, progressing to Portraits 2 which run throughout the year. Year of the Figure and Portrait.PaintingLife painting & portraiturevirtual255319207VH163NONEThu15/01/26 - 19/02/2618:00 - 21:0018:0021:006 sessions (over 6 weeks)65-10 weeksEveningWeekdayKSKeeley StreetBeginnersAvailable courses2026-01-15T00:00:00+00:00Jan 2026Art & design319319Drawing and painting portraits: traditional techniquesdrawing-and-painting-portraits-traditional-techniques/vh163-2526This structured course introduces traditional approaches to drawing then painting portraits from observation of the life model. Suitable for all levels but some previous drawing experience an advantage.0000-Available|2026-01-15 00:00:00The course will explore a variety of traditional drawing and painting techniques to develop your confidence in drawing portraits. You will first develop drawing skills in how to structure and proportion the human face then work towards constructing and composing a painting.This structured course introduces traditional approaches to drawing then painting portraits from observation of the life model. Suitable for all levels but some previous drawing experience an advantage.Proportion <br/> Rotation of the head <br/> Methods for improving observational portrait painting <br/> Tonal painting for portraits <br/> Colour mixing in paint for portraits <br/> Taking inspiration from traditional portrait artists.<br/>- Draw the structure of the head from a range of viewpoints<br/>- Use light and shade to develop form in the human head<br/>- Mix colour palettes to denote temperature and hue for skin tones<br/>- Employ a range of approaches to brush application<br/>- Develop a portrait in paint informed by observational drawing.This course is suitable for all levels - some previous drawing experience would be an advantage.You will learn by practical demonstration, looking at the work of portrait artists, one to one tuition, tutor demos and group discussion.All basic materials will be provided.Portraits 1, progressing to Portraits 2 which run throughout the year. Year of the Figure and Portrait.PaintingLife painting & portraitureconfigurable
