Through demonstration, knowledge is passed on about the expressions and techniques of great portrait artists of both the past and present.

This includes knowledge about improving your drawing, different ways of suggesting a sense of the three dimensional and space, obtain likeness, how to use pencils, charcoal, chalk pastels, mix colour using a range of palettes, apply paint, create a sense of light, colour contrast, tone, expression and style.

The tutor’s aim is to help you to take what you need for your own personal development.

Portrait Painting and Drawing

FOR SPRING TERM ONLY (starting January 2026): This 10 week course will focus on one pose with the same model in Tudor dress.  There will also be a background pattern.  You will be creating a portrait in the style of the old masters.  You will create a painting slowly, layer by layer, from an “imprimatura” or toned ground to the “grisaille” or “dead layer”, and continuing with thin, transparent glazes and “scumbling”.  All this creates a painting that breathes with life and impact.  Along the way you will learn about the stories and methods of some of the finest painters in history.  You will also gain a deeper knowledge of the pigments you have been using for years; transparency vs opacity, texture and chroma, as well as their physical make-up.  Whether you prefer modern styles or figurative art, this class is sure to make you a better painter.

What the course is about:  The course will begin with basic skills and tips for creating the best sketch for your portrait; creating a likeness, finding the subject in the space, contours of the face and head, and basic drawing and sketching tips.  We will also do a tonal painting using Paynes Grey and Titanium White.  This is best done with acrylic or watercolour (Paynes Grey only).

In the second week, we will begin to transfer the drawing onto the dried “imprimatura”.  We will then begin our “dead layer” or “grisaille”.  After we will paint in thin layers, week to week until (painting fat over lean) we have built up our painting.  The last weeks will be exploring highlights, using modern lead white alternatives and (if needed) varnishing.

This class can be done with acrylic paints but for best results, oil is best.  The tutor will be using “water washable” oil paints.  They are great for clean up and when dry become just like any other oil.  If you would like to explore this, please wait for the first session to purchase.

Materials required:  This type of painting works best on a rigid surface such as a wooden panel (gessoed).  The size should be at least 30cm x 40cm but a slightly larger panel would be better.  “Bella Arte” from Jacksons are good but more expensive while Ampersand makes a product called “claybord” at a much cheaper price.

Bring to the first class drawing materials such as pencils, charcoal sketch and painting paper etc… Also please bring a tube of Paynes Grey in watercolour OR Paynes Grey and Titanium White in acrylic.

The course is suitable for all levels of painter.