Courses

For any artist, the portrait is one of the most compelling subjects imaginable. Since early childhood, we yearn to draw people realistically—to capture the “likeness” of our subject. This course is about looking, seeing, and drawing portraits well. Regardless of your drawing experience, you can learn to draw portraits accurately using charcoal on paper in a proven method. The result will be a solid drawing in itself, or an exceptionally useful study for further work in paint.

Using a small mirror, we will distinguish between our imagination and what our eyes actually see. This will lead to an entirely objective way of seeing and drawing—in a method called sight-size. From the Renaissance to modern studios, this method of comparing lines to the actual subject allows anyone to draw a more realistic image. It opens up the whole world of drawing well. Each class will begin with a brief lecture and demonstration. Students will then work directly with a live model to build up their practical understanding of the sight-size method and progressively create a solid portrait drawing.