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Key Facts

  • Starting
    16 Apr 2026
    Location
    Tooting
    Start Time
    13:00
    End Time
    15:30
    Duration
    9 Weeks
    Study Mode
    Part Time Day
    Days
    Thursday
    Start Date
    16 Apr 2026
    Level
    Entry Level
    Code
    TABX293TL

    Fees

    19+ Fee
    £ 112.50

    Enrol

Fine Art- Portrait Drawing And Painting

Fine Art- Portrait Drawing And Painting

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The course will utilise a range of black and white and coloured wet and dry media to develop drawing and painting from the figure and portrait making. The general process will be to harness observation alongside some sessions where the strategies will promote alternative solutions for picture making. This term will promote, both outline from measured drawings to those for more expressive drawings. We will also target some tonal/colour work and make some experimental work with collage in focus.

Weekly objectives will be supported with contextual images and discussion/analysis around production. For each session, you can expect one to one support/mentoring to aid your individual development.

Tutor: Richard Lloyd

  • Entry Requirements


    No prior experience is required.

    Enthusiasm for learning and experimenting with portrait painting.

    Willingness to participate in practical exercises and group discussions.

  • Course Content


    By the end of the course you'll have created a substantial body of work. The course teaches you how to:

    • Proportion
    • Rotation of the head
    • Methods for improving observational portrait painting
    • Tonal painting for portraits
    • Colour mixing in paint for portraits
    • Taking inspiration from traditional portrait artists.
    • Work with oils and acrylics
    • Use both dry and fluid mediums
    • Paint according to proportions and measurements
    • Use long pose to work on a drawing, oil or acrylic painting for a prolonged duration.

  • Progression Next Steps


    You can progress to other art short courses at South Thames College. Previous students have found the course useful when preparing a portfolio for art school or college interviews.

  • Additional Information


    If you are on low income this course has concessions (50% off). Please enquiry with the admissions team at Tooting.

  • Course Structure


    Duration: 10 sessions, 2 hours each

    Format: Practical, hands-on learning in a large classroom with a mega screen for demonstrations and visual examples

    Sessions will include:

    *Live demonstrations by the tutor

    *Guided practice and individual work

    *Peer and tutor feedback

    *Group discussions on techniques and creative choices

    *Opportunities for independent exploration and refinement of skills are encouraged

  • Assessment Details


    You'll be continually assessed through individual guidance by the course tutor and by peer critique. Weekly objectives will be supported with contextual images and discussion/analysis around production. For each session, you can expect one to one support/mentoring to aid your individual development.

    Our tutor is a practising artist himself and will shar their experience and expertise through structured assessments and feedback

  • Teaching and Learning


    The course combines demonstration, guided practice, and independent work to help learners develop confidence and skill in portrait painting. Activities include:

    *Tutor Demonstrations: The tutor will demonstrate techniques for proportion, head rotation, tonal painting, and colour mixing, showing step-by-step how to achieve realistic effects.

    *Guided Practice: Students will work on exercises during class with one-to-one support from the tutor, practising observational skills and applying new techniques immediately.

    *Observation and Sketching: Learners will study live models or reference photographs to develop accuracy in facial features, expressions, and proportions.

    *Colour Mixing Exercises: Practical exercises focused on mixing skin tones, highlights, and shadows to develop a realistic palette.

    *Analysing Traditional Portraits: Group discussions and visual analysis of works by established portrait artists to understand their techniques, composition, and use of colour.

    *Independent Portrait Projects: Students will apply learned skills to their own portrait paintings, with ongoing feedback from the tutor to refine technique and style.

    *Peer Review and Reflection: Constructive group critiques and reflection sessions to encourage self-evaluation, observation of others' techniques, and growth in artistic judgment.