Life & Portrait Drawing (All levels)

This is a wide-ranging, structured life drawing course with emphasis on portraiture. It is suitable for all levels, and particularly for those who have general drawing skills but have not drawn the figure very much.

What The Course is About:

This course will look at the broader context of the practice of life drawing with particular reference to portraiture. In addition to working from the nude, you will study the clothed figure, placing the model in the context of their surroundings, together with extended work on portrait. The emphasis throughout is on close observation. You will also be encouraged to draw from an empathetic response to a pose and to the person. You will be taught on a whole class basis as to the theme of each session and will look at the work of other artists as relevant to the theme. One-to-one feedback will be given during class, with regular informal group discussion and review of the afternoon’s work. Your sessions will be led by Annabel Cullen, an established portrait painter, and experienced tutor for all levels.

Materials Required:

What to bring to the first session: Bring to the first class any drawing materials you possess; paper and other items can be purchased from the school shop. Basic kit should include HB, 2B and 4B pencils, an eraser, willow charcoal, some soft cloth, sharpener or knife, a couple of bulldog clips or masking tape.

Previous Experience:

All Levels (18+ years)

End of course:

What will I achieve?

You will learn how to represent the figure - a person - through the study of particular shape, proportion and gesture, and to convey the character and energy of a pose. You will develop your use of line and tone in a variety of drawing materials to model the three-dimensional form. You will have a grasp of the basic anatomy of head and shoulders, and will consider the clothed figure in the context of their surroundings, in order to make a full length portrait.