Print this page Learn to Draw a Portrait

Study the techniques of famous portrait artists, both contemporary and in history. Learn the principals for how to draw the skull (bone structure) and then the human face. Same as the portrait masters in history we’ll study the face using plaster casts as well as life models. This course is led by an experienced artist and is suitable for beginners and those with more experience. The emphasis, beside learning basic and essential rules, is to encourage and stimulate your creativity.

DELIVERY MODE

• Face-to-Face

COURSE OUTLINE

• Draw the bone structure and what lies beneath the skin
• Draw the planes of the face using line and tone - Beethoven’s Death Mask
• Study the portrait Masters and their mark making
• The importance of measuring and proportions - Michelangelo’s face of David
• Drawing a self portrait
• Drawing a life model
• Experimental portrait drawing
• Putting your knowledge together - free subject choice

LEARNING OUTCOMES

By the end of this course, students should be able to:

1. Gain confidence and respect for your portrait drawing ability through skills learnt
2. Complete a variety of portrait drawings using a range of media
3. Understand the principals of tone, line and measuring essential for drawing a portrait

MATERIALS LIST

• 2B or similar pencil
• Water-soluble graphite pencil or block
• Willow charcoal stick
• Faber & Castell Kneadable Rubber and a hard rubber
• A3 sketch pad or paper
• Watersoluble ink / bamboo stick / paint brush (not too large)
• Mirror for self portrait (available from hot dollar shops or Daeso)

IMPORTANT: Please arrive to the first class with all the relevant materials. A lack of materials is not just a handicap to you but to the ability to teach. Materials cost is not included in a course fee. In the event of a course being cancelled WEA cannot be held responsible for the purchase of any course materials. We therefore suggest you purchase your materials closer to the time of the course commencing.

ART SUPPLY STOCKISTS

The following stockists below are examples of places you can buy art materials from:

• Art on King: 199-201 King Street, Newtown. Ph: 9516 2342
• Eckersley's Art and Craft Store: 93 York Street, Sydney. Ph: 02 9299 4151. Also located in various locations throughout Greater Sydney.
• Parkers Art Supplies: 3 Cambridge Street, The Rocks. Ph: 9247 9979
• The Art Scene: 914 Victoria Road, West Ryde. Ph: 9807 6900
• The Sydney Art Store: 11 Salisbury Street, Botany. Ph: 9699 2162

You can also purchase materials from places such as Dymocks, Officeworks, Spotlight, Lincraft or online art suppliers such as Art Shed Online.