Discover the beauty of portrait drawing through pencil and charcoal in this inspiring four-week course. Develop confidence in observational drawing while exploring facial structure, proportion, tonal values, and expressive mark-making. Through demonstrations, guided studio exercises, and personalised feedback, you will learn to translate careful observation into portraits that convey character, presence, and emotion. The final session features a live model, offering the opportunity to work directly from observation and bring together the skills developed throughout the course. Rather than striving for photographic likeness, this course encourages an expressive approach that values sensitivity, interpretation, and deep observation to create portraits with authenticity and life.

Course Outline:

Week 1: Seeing the Face

• Introduction to portraiture and observation skills
• Understanding head proportions and facial landmarks
• Constructing the head using simple geometric forms
• Quick sketch exercises and freehand drawing practice

Week 2: Features, Structure & Perspective

• Drawing eyes, nose, mouth, and ears
• Understanding facial relationships and alignment
• Portraits from different angles and viewpoints
• Tracing paper exercises for analysing structure

Week 3: Light, Shadow & Expression

• Tonal drawing techniques with pencil and charcoal
• Creating volume and form through shading
• Capturing expression and personality
• Experimental drawing exercises using the non-dominant hand and spontaneous mark-making
• Self-portrait from a photograph

Week 4: Bringing It Together

• Planning and developing a finished portrait
• Live portrait-drawing from observation
• Individual feedback and refinement
• Historical insights into portraiture and contemporary approaches
• Group discussion and final presentation

What to bring:

• A3 Sketchbook or drawing pad (minimum 120gsm)
• HB, 2B, 4B and 6B graphite pencils
• Willow charcoal and compressed charcoal
• Kneadable eraser
• Plastic eraser
• Sharpener or craft knife
• Blending stump (tortillon)
• Tracing paper pad (A4 or A3)
• Brown kraft paper sheets (A3 preferred)

What’s included:

Reference images will be supplied. Students may also bring portrait photographs for the final self-portrait project. A live model for one portrait drawing session (2 hours).

Art Supplies Discount:

As a bonus for learning Art with SGSCC, all enrolled students are entitled to a generous 10% discount off the purchase of art supplies when they shop in-store at Eckersley’s Art & Craft, Taren Point!
View Eckersley's Website for product ideas.

About the Tutor:

Arafat Hosen is an international artist and educator with over fifteen years of teaching experience in the Department of Fine Art and Graphic Design at Shanto-Mariam University of Creative Technology, Dhaka, Bangladesh. He has presented four major solo exhibitions in Dhaka and Thimphu, Bhutan, and has conducted workshops and demonstrations across art communities in South Asia and Australia. His practice centres on watercolour as a meditative process of self-inquiry, where fluid interactions of colour and form reveal layered visual and psychological narratives. Arafat’s teaching is informed by his commitment to dialogue, cultural exchange, and mindful observation. His work bridges traditional and contemporary approaches, integrating technical discipline with philosophical reflection. Through both his artistic practice and pedagogy, he explores the relationship between memory, perception, and material process, fostering deeper engagement with art as a meaningful human experience.

Please visit his website and social media to view his artworks and activities, reflecting his commitment to inspiring creativity and enriching society.

Website: www.arafathosen.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arafatgdm

Other Information:

• To ensure resources are ready for you at the start of your course, we ask you ideally enrol at least one week before the course commences.
• All courses need a minimum number of students to run ("we try our hardest to get those") . If your course does not have enough students it will be cancelled before the commencement and you will be informed.