Beginners Portraiture

Pre-requisites for enrolment

This is a Level 7 course and as such is seen as an introductory course and no previous knowledge is assumed.

Special Information

This course will include a limited supply of basic papers and cards. However please do acquire the materials recommended for this course.

Materials you will need to bring to the first class:

• Sketchbook A3

• A range of pencils-HB, 2 B, 4 B, 6B

• Graphite stick

• Putty rubber

• Masking tape

In addition to the course fee, students are expected to provide the following list of indicative tools, materials and equipment:

• A range of pencils

• Graphite stick

• Putty rubber

• Cartridge paper, sugar paper, pastel paper -all at least A2 in size

• Craft knife

• Charcoal-willow and compressed

• Charcoal pencil

• White chalk

• Beginners Set of acrylic paints

• Brushes suitable for acrylic paints plus one large household paint brush

• 1 tube acrylic gloss medium optional

• Palette (or large plastic plate) for mixing paints

• Sponge

• Water and fade proof fine liner pen black

• Nib pen for ink

• Black drawing ink plus at least one other colour

• Chalk pastels (oil pastel optional)

• Spray fixative (or cheap hairspray will do)

Content of Course

The course teaching is delivered in 10 weekly sessions of 3 hours. The course will cover:

1. Introduction to the portrait. What is it, who does it and why? How to go about 'looking' at the model followed by some pencil studies of the model.

2. Tonal portrait in charcoal. Looking at light and shade and tonal shifts.

3. Investigations. Using your sketchbook to make studies of the eye, ear and the texture of hair, to find a 'character'.

4. Using paint to experiment with mixing skin tone we will then move on to working out a composition for a Portrait. The following 2 weeks will be spent blocking in larger areas of colour, adding depth and bringing the model to life.

5. Mixed media portrait using a range of materials such as chalk pastels, ink, pencil, charcoal.

6. Self-portrait. Looking at how other artists approached this. Learn how best to prepare your set-up and use appropriate materials.

7. Big head, big paper. Scale up and see what happens!

Teaching method(s)

This course will be based and delivered in specialist art and design studios. Students will work with professional models (except in week 9 when we will be looking at self portraits). Each week, students’ progress will be monitored and supported by the tutor with individual advice given to each student. Teaching will include practical demonstration of technique, one to one tuition, group discussions and critiques.

Learning outcomes

By the end of this course, students should be able to:

• Demonstrate and create a series of works that show a basic knowledge of the anatomy of the human head.

• Demonstrate knowledge to make portraits using a variety of materials.

• Develop an understanding for mixing paint to create skin tones.

• Develop an understanding for composition through their portrait.

• Demonstrate contextual awareness for a range of artists who make portraiture a focus of their art.

Sources

Core Readings

Recommended:

• Freud, L. (2012) Painting People. National Portrait Gallery, London

• Hockney, D. (2006) Portraits. Yale University Press.

• Marsh, R. (1970) Anatomy for Artists. London. Dover.

Class Handouts

Course handout will be given at start of course.

Queries

If you have questions regarding the course or enrolment, please contact COL Reception at Paterson's Land by email COL@ed.ac.uk or by phone 0131 650 4400.

Student support

If you have a disability, learning difficulty or health condition which may affect your studies, please let us know by ticking the 'specific support needs' box on your course application form. This will allow us to make appropriate adjustments in advance and in accordance with your rights under the Equality Act 2010. For more information please visit the Student Support section of our website.