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Develop a portrait from life: a structured course to build skills towards making a convincing portrait where the model keeps the same pose over 2 sessions to enable a sustained piece of work.
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.
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This intensive and focused course is for students with some observational drawing or painting experience, wanting to develop their skills in sustaining one portrait painting over 2 sessions using oil paint.
The class will start with basic paint sketching in paint to develop a more complete composition. You will work from observation from portrait models who will hold the same pose over 2 sessions.
What will we cover?
Proportion
Rotation of the head
Methods for improving observational portrait painting
Tonal painting for portraits
Colour mixing in oil paint for portraits
Taking inspiration from traditional portrait artists.
What will I achieve? By the end of this course you should be able to...
- Have developed a sustained portrait over two days, layering paint, modifying and refining work.
- Have improved skill and accuracy in observations of the structure of the head from a range of viewpoints
- Paint with sensitivity towards light and shade on the portrait
- Make use of colour mixing, colour temperature, consistency and brush application.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
Open to students with some basic drawing or painting experience.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
You will learn by practical demonstration, one to one tuition, tutor demonstrations and group discussion.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
All basic Painting and Drawing materials are included, but you are welcome to bring a canvas or board to paint on.
Otherwise you can use primed paper that will be provided.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
Saturday Portraiture Studio
Portraits 2
Draw and Paint Traditional Portraits
Anatomical Portrait Drawing.
Amanda Bracken started her teaching career at the Serpentine Gallery, researching, developing and delivering projects to a range of audiences, which illuminated the art work on show in the exhibition programme, including a teachers’ pack for the Bridget Riley exhibition. She also gained substantial experience developing projects and workshops within the education departments of The Drawing Room, the Estorick collection, The National Portrait Gallery and the Victoria Miro Gallery in particular Alice Neel: Portraits. Bracken holds an MA in Fine Art gained at Central Saint Martins. She also holds a BA in joint Art/Dance and a PGCE gained at Goldsmiths College London. Brackens paintings, drawings and installations have been selected for exhibitions in London and nationally including the Drawing Room, ASC Gallery, C and C Gallery and Atkinson Gallery Millfield. ‘I am interested in colour and form in all its permutations and the qualities of the substance of painting and drawing-the figurative, the abstract and the in-between. Citylit has a diverse Art department where I can use my experience to stimulate students to develop their own work'.
Luke JonesSee moreSee less
Luke Jones is a practising artist working in both 2D and 3D, he studied at Chelsea school of art and Norwich School of art (currently called NUA) He has always been fascinated by observational art both in 2D, drawing and painting mostly in oil paint and in sculpture, mostly working with clay modelling and simple casting processes Portraits and figures are the central subjects to most of my current output I’ve undertaken portrait commissions both in paintings and sculptures and I have also worked with theatre making sculptures for a stage play
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/portrait-painting-two-session-pose279279Portrait painting: two session posehttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/p/o/portrait_painting_in_studio_1.jpg209209GBPInStock/Courses/Courses/Art & design/Courses/Art & design/Painting/Courses/Art & design/Painting/Life painting & portraiture/Courses/vm/Courses for Making Your Own Art/Courses/vm/Summer Art School Offers228511321916192517901372612285113219161653Develop a portrait from life: a structured course to build skills towards making a convincing portrait where the model keeps the same pose over 2 sessions to enable a sustained piece of work.34.7330414Portrait painting: two session pose209209https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/p/o/portrait_painting_in_studio_1_9.jpgInStockDaytimeThu-FriKeeley StreetAvailable courses1 to 4 weeksWeekday2025-07-24T00:00:00+00:00Beginners, Some experience, Advanced, Suitable for allJul 2025Art & designVM803209209Portrait painting: two session pose167136209Desmond Haughtonportrait-painting-two-session-pose/vm803-2425Develop a portrait from life: a structured course to build skills towards making a convincing portrait where the model keeps the same pose over 2 sessions to enable a sustained piece of work.0000-Available|2025-07-24 00:00:00Develop a portrait from life: a structured course to build skills towards making a convincing portrait where the model keeps the same pose over 2 sessions to enable a sustained piece of work.Proportion <br />
Rotation of the head <br />
Methods for improving observational portrait painting <br />
Tonal painting for portraits <br />
Colour mixing in oil paint for portraits <br />
Taking inspiration from traditional portrait artists.- Have developed a sustained portrait over two days, layering paint, modifying and refining work.<br />
- Have improved skill and accuracy in observations of the structure of the head from a range of viewpoints<br />
- Paint with sensitivity towards light and shade on the portrait<br />
- Make use of colour mixing, colour temperature, consistency and brush application.Saturday Portraiture Studio<br />
Portraits 2<br />
Draw and Paint Traditional Portraits<br />
Anatomical Portrait Drawing.All basic Painting and Drawing materials are included, but you are welcome to bring a canvas or board to paint on. <br />
Otherwise you can use primed paper that will be provided.virtual1173034Portrait painting: two session pose219219https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/p/o/portrait_painting_in_studio_1_11.jpgInStockDaytimeSat-SunKeeley StreetAvailable courses1 to 4 weeksWeekend2025-12-13T00:00:00+00:00Beginners, Some experience, Advanced, Suitable for allDec 2025Art & designVH075219219Portrait painting: two session pose175142219Amanda Brackenportrait-painting-two-session-pose/vh075-2526Develop a portrait from life: a structured course to build skills towards making a convincing portrait where the model keeps the same pose over 2 sessions to enable a sustained piece of work.0000-Available|2025-12-13 00:00:00Develop a portrait from life: a structured course to build skills towards making a convincing portrait where the model keeps the same pose over 2 sessions to enable a sustained piece of work.Proportion <br/> Rotation of the head <br/> Methods for improving observational portrait painting <br/> Tonal painting for portraits <br/> Colour mixing in oil paint for portraits <br/> Taking inspiration from traditional portrait artists.<p>- A sustained portrait made over two days, layering paint, modifying and refining the work.<br/>- Improved skill and accuracy in observations of the structure of the head from a range of viewpoints<br/>- Paint with sensitivity towards light and shade on the portrait<br/>- Make use of colour mixing, colour temperature, consistency and brush application.</p><p>Portraits 1, 2<br/>Drawing and Painting Portraits: Traditional Techniques<br/>Anatomical Portrait Drawing</p><p>All basic Painting and Drawing materials are included, but you are welcome to bring a canvas or board to paint on. Otherwise you can use primed paper that will be provided.</p>virtual2535454Portrait painting: two session pose219219https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/p/o/portrait_painting_in_studio_1_12.jpgInStockDaytimeSat-SunKeeley StreetAvailable courses1 to 4 weeksWeekend2026-03-21T00:00:00+00:00Beginners, Some experience, Advanced, Suitable for allMar 2026Art & designVH027219219Portrait painting: two session pose175142219Amanda Brackenportrait-painting-two-session-pose/vh027-2526Develop a portrait from life: a structured course to build skills towards making a convincing portrait where the model keeps the same pose over 2 sessions to enable a sustained piece of work.0000-Available|2026-03-21 00:00:00Develop a portrait from life: a structured course to build skills towards making a convincing portrait where the model keeps the same pose over 2 sessions to enable a sustained piece of work.Proportion <br/> Rotation of the head <br/> Methods for improving observational portrait painting <br/> Tonal painting for portraits <br/> Colour mixing in oil paint for portraits <br/> Taking inspiration from traditional portrait artists.<p>- A sustained portrait made over two days, layering paint, modifying and refining the work.<br/>- Improved skill and accuracy in observations of the structure of the head from a range of viewpoints<br/>- Paint with sensitivity towards light and shade on the portrait<br/>- Make use of colour mixing, colour temperature, consistency and brush application.</p><p>Portraits 1, 2<br/>Drawing and Painting Portraits: Traditional Techniques<br/>Anatomical Portrait Drawing</p><p>All basic Painting and Drawing materials are included, but you are welcome to bring a canvas or board to paint on. Otherwise you can use primed paper that will be provided.</p>virtual2535457Portrait painting: two session pose219219https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/p/o/portrait_painting_in_studio_1_13.jpgInStockDaytimeSat-SunKeeley StreetAvailable courses1 to 4 weeksWeekend2026-06-06T00:00:00+00:00Beginners, Some experience, Advanced, Suitable for allJun 2026Art & designVM479219219Portrait painting: two session pose175142219Luke Jonesportrait-painting-two-session-pose/vm479-2526Develop a portrait from life: a structured course to build skills towards making a convincing portrait where the model keeps the same pose over 2 sessions to enable a sustained piece of work.0000-Available|2026-06-06 00:00:00Develop a portrait from life: a structured course to build skills towards making a convincing portrait where the model keeps the same pose over 2 sessions to enable a sustained piece of work.Proportion <br/> Rotation of the head <br/> Methods for improving observational portrait painting <br/> Tonal painting for portraits <br/> Colour mixing in oil paint for portraits <br/> Taking inspiration from traditional portrait artists.<p>- A sustained portrait made over two days, layering paint, modifying and refining the work.<br/>- Improved skill and accuracy in observations of the structure of the head from a range of viewpoints<br/>- Paint with sensitivity towards light and shade on the portrait<br/>- Make use of colour mixing, colour temperature, consistency and brush application.</p><p>Portraits 1, 2<br/>Drawing and Painting Portraits: Traditional Techniques<br/>Anatomical Portrait Drawing</p><p>All basic Painting and Drawing materials are included, but you are welcome to bring a canvas or board to paint on. Otherwise you can use primed paper that will be provided.</p>virtual2535460Portrait painting: two session pose219219https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/p/o/portrait_painting_in_studio_1_14.jpgInStockDaytimeThu-FriKeeley StreetAvailable courses1 to 4 weeksWeekday2026-07-23T00:00:00+00:00Beginners, Some experience, Advanced, Suitable for allJul 2026Art & designVM803219219Portrait painting: two session pose175142219Desmond Haughtonportrait-painting-two-session-pose/vm803-2526Develop a portrait from life: a structured course to build skills towards making a convincing portrait where the model keeps the same pose over 2 sessions to enable a sustained piece of work.0000-Available|2026-07-23 00:00:00Develop a portrait from life: a structured course to build skills towards making a convincing portrait where the model keeps the same pose over 2 sessions to enable a sustained piece of work.Proportion <br/> Rotation of the head <br/> Methods for improving observational portrait painting <br/> Tonal painting for portraits <br/> Colour mixing in oil paint for portraits <br/> Taking inspiration from traditional portrait artists.<p>- A sustained portrait made over two days, layering paint, modifying and refining the work.<br/>- Improved skill and accuracy in observations of the structure of the head from a range of viewpoints<br/>- Paint with sensitivity towards light and shade on the portrait<br/>- Make use of colour mixing, colour temperature, consistency and brush application.</p><p>Portraits 1, 2<br/>Drawing and Painting Portraits: Traditional Techniques<br/>Anatomical Portrait Drawing</p><p>All basic Painting and Drawing materials are included, but you are welcome to bring a canvas or board to paint on. Otherwise you can use primed paper that will be provided.</p>virtual167,175209,219136,142VM803,VH075,VH027,VM479NONEThu-Fri,Sat-Sun24/07/25 - 25/07/2510:00 - 17:0010:0017:002 sessions21 to 4 weeksWeekday,WeekendKSKeeley StreetDesmond Haughton,Amanda Bracken,Luke JonesBeginners, Some experience, Advanced, Suitable for allAvailable courses2025-07-24T00:00:00+00:00,2025-12-13T00:00:00+00:00,2026-03-21T00:00:00+00:00,2026-06-06T00:00:00+00:00,2026-07-23T00:00:00+00:00DaytimeJul 2025,Dec 2025,Mar 2026,Jun 2026,Jul 2026Art & design209209,219Portrait painting: two session poseportrait-painting-two-session-pose/vm803-2425,portrait-painting-two-session-pose/vh075-2526,portrait-painting-two-session-pose/vh027-2526,portrait-painting-two-session-pose/vm479-2526,portrait-painting-two-session-pose/vm803-2526Develop a portrait from life: a structured course to build skills towards making a convincing portrait where the model keeps the same pose over 2 sessions to enable a sustained piece of work.0000-Available|2025-07-24 00:00:00Develop a portrait from life: a structured course to build skills towards making a convincing portrait where the model keeps the same pose over 2 sessions to enable a sustained piece of work.Proportion &lt;br /&gt;
Rotation of the head &lt;br /&gt;
Methods for improving observational portrait painting &lt;br /&gt;
Tonal painting for portraits &lt;br /&gt;
Colour mixing in oil paint for portraits &lt;br /&gt;
Taking inspiration from traditional portrait artists.,Proportion &lt;br/&gt; Rotation of the head &lt;br/&gt; Methods for improving observational portrait painting &lt;br/&gt; Tonal painting for portraits &lt;br/&gt; Colour mixing in oil paint for portraits &lt;br/&gt; Taking inspiration from traditional portrait artists.- Have developed a sustained portrait over two days, layering paint, modifying and refining work.&lt;br /&gt;
- Have improved skill and accuracy in observations of the structure of the head from a range of viewpoints&lt;br /&gt;
- Paint with sensitivity towards light and shade on the portrait&lt;br /&gt;
- Make use of colour mixing, colour temperature, consistency and brush application.,&lt;p&gt;- A sustained portrait made over two days, layering paint, modifying and refining the work.&lt;br/&gt;- Improved skill and accuracy in observations of the structure of the head from a range of viewpoints&lt;br/&gt;- Paint with sensitivity towards light and shade on the portrait&lt;br/&gt;- Make use of colour mixing, colour temperature, consistency and brush application.&lt;/p&gt;Saturday Portraiture Studio&lt;br /&gt;
Portraits 2&lt;br /&gt;
Draw and Paint Traditional Portraits&lt;br /&gt;
Anatomical Portrait Drawing.,&lt;p&gt;Portraits 1, 2&lt;br/&gt;Drawing and Painting Portraits: Traditional Techniques&lt;br/&gt;Anatomical Portrait Drawing&lt;/p&gt;All basic Painting and Drawing materials are included, but you are welcome to bring a canvas or board to paint on. &lt;br /&gt;
Otherwise you can use primed paper that will be provided.,&lt;p&gt;All basic Painting and Drawing materials are included, but you are welcome to bring a canvas or board to paint on. Otherwise you can use primed paper that will be provided.&lt;/p&gt;configurable
