- Teacher: Ruthie V.
- Materials Fee: (Model fee included in price)
- Course Length: 8 sessions
- Class Days: Fridays, starting January 9
- Time: 1:30 pm – 4:30 pm
This course focuses on painting and drawing the head, shoulders, and facial features. Students will study relationships within elements of art to understand how the head sits within the body, how the features sit within the head, and how to shape expression and likeness. Working from live models, artists will use shape, value, edges, and movement to create a sense of life and atmosphere.
The goal is not strict realism, but a portrait that lives and breathes, conveying the energy of human presence through a series of observational methods. As skills grow, students will explore how compositional elements contribute to emotional and narrative expression.
A shared Padlet supports discussion, and inspiration outside class. Homework extends class concepts but remains flexible for varying schedules.
If you have taken portraits before, take it again! Every course series is different.
Portrait drawing in charcoal by student Chris Deboer
Prerequisites: Beginning Drawing (or equivalent) if drawing; Beginning Painting (or equivalent) if painting.
Materials:
- Vine Charcoal
- Multimedia Paper
- Canvas or Gessoed Panels (8)
Choose sizes you are interested in trying. If smaller than 16×20, be prepared to paint multiples - Long-Handled Brushes in a variety of sizes
- Filbert Brushes: For an organic look.
- Flat Brushes: For a contemporary abstract look.
- Paint: Oil or acrylic, depending on your preference.
- Colors: bring colors you are interested in working with. Pure pigments encouraged. New colors may be suggested to you.
- Odorless Mineral Spirits (OMS)
- Medium
Recommended Upgrades:
