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Course intent

This course is for beginners who want to learn how to draw and paint portraits. You will explore basic techniques, use different materials, and learn how to capture facial features and proportions. No experience is needed, just a willingness to try. By the end, you will have the skills to create simple but convincing portraits.

What will I learn?

You will learn:

Design Techniques: Learn the basics of perspective and composition to help you build strong, balanced artwork. These skills will support the structure of your portrait drawings and paintings.

Material Knowledge: Discover a range of art materials and how to use them with confidence. Learn how to mix colours, especially for portraits, and experiment with creating layers and textures.

Craftsmanship: Develop your observation skills to draw faces with accuracy and expression. Practise shading, proportions, and placing facial features correctly. Explore colour mixing and learn how to use colour creatively in your portraits.

Production Process: Explore the work of traditional and modern artists to see how they use techniques, composition, and meaning in their portraits. Use what you learn to inspire and guide your own creative projects.

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 1 – This stage is for learners who are new to their chosen subject area. With the focus on introducing individuals to basic materials, tools, and techniques, and to inspire confidence in creative expression.

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

To the first session you need to bring:

 a set of drawing/graphite pencils with a range of pencil grades,

 an eraser/rubber

 a pencil sharpener

 an A4 sketch book.

Additional drawing and painting media will be discussed during the first week. The Tutor will provide initial images to work from. For any queries, please email adultlearning@surreycc.gov.uk

What can I do when I finish the course?

On completion of one year of stage 1, you can move up to Stage 2. Saturday workshops provide opportunities for you to try out new ideas and techniques and can enhance and consolidate your learning.

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.

We value and support equality, diversity and inclusion by promoting fairness and respect at all times.

How to enrol

Our courses are for adult learners aged 19 or over. If you are under 19, please call 0300 200 1044.

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