Key Facts
-
Starting
18 Sep 2025- Location
- Tooting
- Start Time
- 13:15
- End Time
- 15:45
- Duration
- 12 Weeks
- Study Mode
- Part Time Day
- Days
- Thursday
- Start Date
- 18 Sep 2025
- Level
- Entry Level
- Code
- TABX292TL
Fees
- 19+ Fee
- £ 137.50
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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
Fine Art- Portrait Drawing And Painting
The course will utilise a range of black and white and coloured wet and dry media to develop drawing and painting portraits. The general process will be to harness observation alongside a range of strategies/approaches to promote options/solutions for picture making. 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
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Course Content
You will learn:- 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.
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Progression Next Steps
TABX294TL (2526) - Portrait Drawing and Painting - Professional Techniques (T2D). A number of our students use these classes as an opportunity to build up a portfolio of work for art school interviews. Others have found the studies helpful in range of courses and professions. -
Course Structure
This course runs for 10 weeks at Tooting.Format: Practical, studio-based learning in a well-equipped studio with all necessary materials and easels.
Sessions will include:
*Tutor demonstrations and guidance.
*Individual practice with ongoing feedback.
*Group critique and discussion of techniques and artistic choices.
*Students will be encouraged to develop personal projects and explore their creativity within the studio environment.
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Assessment Details
You'll receive one to one teaching during the sessions. There will also be group work so you can discuss your work with your classmates. -
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.