Beginning Portrait Drawing

The focus of this course is to study and implement different methods of sketching and shading the portrait while stressing light logic, drawing from life, and composition.

Using fundamental drawing and design principles students will explore drawing the portrait in pencils and charcoal with the occasional use of props.

In addition to interactive instruction, students will be taught through demos. This class will go over technical information on materials, methods, and uses of various sketching techniques and styles.

The instructor’s goal is to give students a hands-on overview of drawing, sketching and composition in a very interactive and open setting, allowing students to express their creativity using the knowledge they gain from this course.

Supply list:

• Stadtler drawing pencils HB, 2B, 4B, 6B, 8B
• White, pink, or electric eraser
• Kneaded eraser
• Nitram charcoal HB, B
• Charcoal pencils
• Measuring tool such as thin knitting needle or accuracy
• Sand pad
• Exacto knife
• Stump
• Bristol brush
• drawing board
• masking tape
• sketchpad AT LEAST 9×12

• If you arrive late, please enter quietly. If you have equipment to set up, please wait for a break to set up so that you do not disrupt the class.
• The front row of benches is reserved for individuals who are sitting. Standing in the front row will block the view of those behind you. Personal easels are not allowed in the front row, unless they are low enough that it does not obstruct any portion of the view of the people behind you.
• Please be mindful of the amount of space you and your equipment occupy. Economize your work space to accommodate fellow artists.
• Please be polite to the models, and ask first before taking their pictures. The model may require a fee.
• Please do not talk while class is in session. Save all discussions for outside the studio.
• Be sure to switch cell phones and pagers to silent model.
• Don’t comment on others’ work unless it is solicited.
• Animals are not permitted at school for health reasons. Assistance dogs for the disabled are allowed.
• Please clean up your work area and properly dispose of your waste after class. Use the brush cleaning closet, not the bathroom sinks, to clean your hands, paintbrushes and other art tools.
• No turpentine or smelly solvents and mediums are allowed. Odorless mineral spirits is preferred.

There is a one-time registration fee (per quarter) of $20 to be paid directly to LAAFA.