Hosting my first fully tutored portrait class was an unforgettable experience—a blend of excitement, creativity, and shared learning. It was a day filled with discovery, as we explored the art of portraiture through a mix of working from photographs and a live model. The result? A room buzzing with focus, inspiration, and the joy of artistic growth.
The Concept: Blending Photography and Life
Portraiture is one of the most challenging yet rewarding forms of art. Capturing the essence of a person requires not only technical skill but also an understanding of emotion, expression, and individuality. For this class, I wanted to offer participants the best of both worlds: the precision of working from photographs and the dynamic energy of drawing from life.
We began with photographs, allowing participants to study facial features, proportions, and lighting in a controlled setting. Then, we transitioned to a live model, where the challenge shifted to capturing the subtle shifts in expression, posture, and personality that only a real-life subject can provide.
The Session: A Journey into Portraiture
Part 1: Working from Photographs
Tutured Portrait Workshop in Manchester
The class started with an introduction to the fundamentals of portraiture. We discussed proportions, the importance of measuring, and how to map out the key features of the face. Participants were given high-quality photographs to work from, which allowed them to focus on technique without the added pressure of a moving subject.
I guided the group through the initial stages of sketching, emphasising the importance of light and shadow in creating depth and dimension. Using graphite pencils, we experimented with different textures and shading techniques to bring the portraits to life.
