Portrait Painting and Drawing

Course overview

Unleash your artistic potential with our comprehensive introductory 5-week Portrait Painting and Drawing course. 

Have you ever wanted to capture a likeness, convey a mood, or tell a story through portraiture? Whether you’re picking up a brush for the first time or returning to art after a break, this art course is the perfect place to begin (or begin again). 

Led by experienced tutor Madalyn Taylor in a relaxed, supportive environment, you’ll explore the fundamentals of portrait painting and drawing using a variety of media and different techniques. With a mix of practical sessions, creative experimentation, and guided tuition, you’ll build the confidence and skills to create compelling, captivating portraits. 

Throughout the course, you’ll experiment with: 

  • Watercolour for luminous, transparent effects 
  • Pastels for velvety textures and immediate colour impact 
  • Acrylic paint for versatile application and bold statements 

Learn the strategic use of contrasting and bright backgrounds to create visual impact. Discover how background choices can alter the mood and presence of your portrait subject. 

Why Join Our Portrait Painting and Drawing Workshop? 

  • No experience needed – just curiosity and creativity!
  • Learn to paint expressive, lifelike portraits
  • Try out watercolours, acrylics & pastels 
  • Supportive tutor & relaxed atmosphere 
  • Take home art you’re proud of 
  • Connect with other creative adults 

Ready to pick up a brush and get started? Join us and begin your portrait journey. 

 

You’ll be introduced to multiple painting media including watercolour, soft pastels, and acrylic paint.

Classes will cover: 

  • Proportion and the structure of the head
  • Creating realistic skin tones
  • Introduction to using colour
  • Contrasting and bright backgrounds

 
Your Artistic Journey 

Week 1-2: Foundations of Portraiture — Begin with the essential building blocks—proportion and structure of the head. Develop your observational skills as you learn to accurately map facial features and understand the underlying anatomy that shapes every face. 

Week 3-4: Mastering Light and Shadow — Explore the dramatic potential of tonal studies in monochrome. Create depth and dimension through the thoughtful application of light and shadow, bringing three-dimensional quality to your work. 

Week 5: Expressive Techniques — Elevate your portraits from mere likenesses to expressive works of art. Move between quick, intuitive painting sketches and longer, more detailed pieces—each approach offering unique artistic possibilities. 

  • Enjoy a combination of group and one-to-one tuition, with live demonstrations, discussion—to facilitate understanding—and expert feedback. 
  • Draw inspiration from the work of other artists and explore your own creative instincts. 
  • Plenty of hands-on practice with time to develop and refine your portraits. 
  • Learn in a relaxed, friendly environment—no pressure, just progress. 
  • A great way to unwind and focus on something just for you. 
  • Leave with new skills, fresh confidence, and artwork you’ll be proud of. 

This course welcomes learners of all levels. Whether you’re a beginner looking to develop fundamental skills or an experienced artist seeking fresh inspiration, this course offers a supportive environment to explore and grow. 

All basic materials are provided—but feel free to bring your own brushes, favourite media, or inspirational reference images if you’d like. 

Course Starts in 216 Days

Thu 20 November 2025

Enrol now

Enrol now

Alternatively enrol by phone quoting BYLLL004DA

Meet the tutors

We want our learners to feel welcome, safe and at ease when attending our classes, especially if this is your first time attending an adult education class or if you're coming back to education after a break.
If you're interested in one of courses, meet our tutors first! You'll see they have similar passions and interests and, most importantly, the right qualifications to help you make the most of your time and money.

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