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Course intent

You will develop drawing, painting and design skills, gaining a deeper understanding of the range of techniques and processes involved in portraiture and learn how to capture likeness.

What will I learn?

You will learn:

Design Techniques: Learn how to use tone, colour, composition, and perspective to create strong focal points in your painting. Develop your personal expression and creative voice through guided exercises and experimentation.

Material Knowledge: Understand the characteristics of acrylic paints, including soft body and heavy body types, and how to choose the right one for your work. Learn how to read acrylic labels, use mediums, gels, and additives to alter texture, flow, and drying time, and explore pigment codes for better colour mixing.

Craftsmanship: Build strong observational drawing and painting skills. Practice techniques such as scumbling, sfumato, impasto, underpainting, blending, layering, glazing, and working alla prima with both brush and palette knife.

Production Process: Study the techniques and styles of both traditional and contemporary artists. Explore a wide range of approaches and gain insight into composition, context, and the evolution of painting practices.

Workshop Practice: Learn essential health and safety practices in the studio, including proper cleaning and care of tools and materials, to ensure a safe and professional working environment.

Who is this course for? Is there anything I need to know before joining?

Stage 2 - Suitable for learners who have completed stage 1 (beginners’ level) and would like to gain more experience and refine their skills in acrylic painting. The focus will be on developing more control and proficiency in practice and learning and completing more complex projects.

What do I need to bring to the first class? Will there be any extra costs?

You need to bring:

• A3 size sketch pad 250 gsm or higher suitable for acrylic painting
• A set of artist-quality Acrylic Paints including both warm and cool versions of primary colours (packs are often sold this way)

It is important to buy artist quality paints from one of the reputable art brands to ensure good pigmentation.

• Artist-quality, soft bristle short-handled paint brushes for acrylics. Round brush with a pointed tip in either a size 5 or 6.
• Brushes will be discussed in more detail at the first lesson
• Flat palette or old plate (preferably white)
• Acrylic Paint Flow Enhancer (translucent or transparent liquid)

Materials needed during the course will be discussed in the first lesson. You can contact the tutor on adultlearning@surreycc.gov.uk if you have any questions regarding materials for this first session.

What can I do when I finish the course?

Each term of the academic year 2025-26, you can enrol on Acrylic Painting - Powerful Portraits - Stage 2 where you will continue to develop your skills in portrait painting. From September 2026 you can continue your journey by exploring other painting courses (stage 2) or continue to a Stage 3 in portrait painting.

Additional Information

We welcome learners with additional needs and disabilities. When you enrol, please let us know if you would like to discuss your extra support needs with a member of the Supported Learning Team who will then contact you as soon as possible. If you are enrolling within 10 days of the course start date, we may not be able to contact you before your first class.

How to enrol

You can't currently enrol online for this course, so please call 0300 200 1044 to express your interest or to make an enquiry for further information.

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