Course overview

For many prospective art students, the thought of learning to draw a portrait is quite daunting, in fact some would say it is their nemesis! However, challenging yourself to confront this can be incredibly rewarding. The first time you achieve something akin to a real, convincing likeness is quite thrilling, and rest assured, it is a taught skill. This course is structured so you will learn ̨Íåswag of proportion, perspective, line, tone, and colour and be able to clearly analyse requirements for the task. This course is for complete beginners and those looking to improve their ̨Íåswag and develop their own style.

Course description

We will begin each session by looking at carefully chosen art historical and contemporary examples, then the tutor’s filmed demo will be run, to give you an example of how to achieve this (and sometimes what not to do!). The group will then be directed to carry out the task, having been placed in a ‘breakout room’ in which a smaller selection of students congregate in order to be given appropriate advice and direction from the tutor. You get to see how the others are doing, which can be fascinating, and on occasion quite comforting. We will learn how to draw chosen portraits (people you know or celebrities you admire) in pencil, charcoal with white pastel for highlights, pen and coloured pencils with an option to use collage. Artists studied will be Leonardo da Vinci, Durer, Rembrandt, Kathe Kollwitz, Lucian Freud up to living masters like Frank Auerbach and countless contemporary examples. Learn the thrilling skill of drawing portraits - achieve an ability to create a likeness, while developing your own style, in a supportive friendly group.

What financial support is available?

We don't want anything to stand in your way when it comes to bringing Adult learning within reach so if you need anything to support you to achieve your goals then speak to one of our education experts during your enrolment journey. Most of our courses are government funded but if you don't qualify or need alternative financial help to access them then let us know.

What other support is available?

All of our digital content, teaching and learning activities and assessments are designed to be accessible so if you need any additional support you can discuss this with the education experts during your enrolment journey and we will do all we can to make sure you have optimal access.

Share this page:

Lady giving a thumbs up to her tablet as she watches a WEA member lecture
Image overlay triangle

Become a WEA member today

For just £15 per year, you can access many great benefits, including our award-winning weekly member lectures.

Need more information?

Need help? Complete our form and our friendly Support Services team will be back in touch.

Course contact
I am most interested in (tick all that apply)

How do we use the information we gather from you?
Please see our privacy policy.