Portrait drawing: expression in the face
Choose a starting date
Learning modes and locations may be different depending on the course start date. Please check the location of your chosen course and read our guide to learning modes and locations to help you choose the right course for you.
- Start Date: 10 Sep 2025End Date: 24 Sep 2025Wed (Evening): 18:00 - 21:00In PersonLocation: Keeley StreetDuration: 3 sessions (over 3 weeks)Course Code: VH893Full fee £159.00 Senior fee £127.00 Concession £103.00
- Start Date: 20 Nov 2025End Date: 04 Dec 2025Thu (Daytime): 10:00 - 13:00In PersonFull fee £159.00 Senior fee £127.00 Concession £103.00
Please note: We offer a wide variety of financial support to make courses affordable. Just visit our online Help Centre for more information on a range of topics including fees, online learning and FAQs.
What is the course about?
Drawing can provide quick and accessible methods to look at elements like structure and likeness in the face, both from quick sketching and mark-making to more developed study. Focusing on drawing facial expression will inform your portrait painting and really bring it to life.
What will we cover?
Expression and likeness, emotion and mood in the face
How the facial muscles produce expressions as they contract or relax
Looking at a variety of artists' work to see how different mark-making techniques can produce lively and expressive drawings.
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
- Draw facial expression
- Use tone to communicate volume and surface
- Draw structure in the human head
- Draw a variety of viewpoints of the head
- Use a range of drawing techniques for expressive effect.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
This course is aimed at those with some portrait drawing experience who would like to focus on facial expression eg Portraits 1 or Portraits 2.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
Talks, practical work, demonstrations, individual tutoring and group discussion.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
All basic materials are provided.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
Portraits 1, 2, 3
Portrait Painting 2 session pose
Steve is a London-based painter and art tutor. He has worked in adult education since 2012, developing a wide range of courses in drawing and painting that balance technical skills with an openness to individual ways of working. He is skilled at finding both strengths and areas to improve in a student’s work and in communicating this in a supportive way to individual learners. Steve studied Painting at Wimbledon School of Art and Newcastle University, completing his MA in 2001. His own painting practice informs his teaching and he likes to share some of his drawings, paintings and working methods with students. Steve’s work is included in several public and private collections and has featured in numerous solo and group exhibitions. www.stevewqrightart.com
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.