Graphite Portraiture for Beginners

Whether you’re a complete beginner or returning to drawing after time away, this structured 4-session course offers a bridge between casual sketching and formal studio training. Join this hands-on portrait drawing class to develop fundamentals of graphite drawing techniques, build observational skills, and gain confidence working from both life models and reference photographs. You’ll explore how to see like an artist, sketch with purpose, and draw faces with structure and expression.

Led by an experienced tutor in a supportive small-group setting, this workshop series is ideal for adults seeking a foundational art course that encourages practical skill development and visual understanding.

Learning outcomes

By the end of this portrait drawing course, you should be able to:

• Use graphite pencil tools effectively to control line weight, edges, and shading

• Apply light and shade to create form through cast shadows and tonal variation

• Measure angles and proportions accurately to establish a balanced composition

• Simplify the human face into planes to enhance three-dimensionality

• Complete a drawing from a reference source using foundational techniques

Want to deepen your skills further? You might enjoy our other Portrait Drawing Classes.