We will start by looking at the head and the anatomy of the skull to create a good structural drawing. We…

We will start by looking at the head and the anatomy of the skull to create a good structural drawing. We will also spend some time looking at planes and values and how important they are to painting a portrait and achieving a likeness. 

On day one we will draw the head and shoulders in preparation for painting on day two. The image will be transferred to a primed canvas, and we will block in using burnt or raw umber ready for colour the next day.

Day two is when students will start painting the portrait in colour, concentrating on colour mixing and how to create flesh tones. The group will also look at how to apply paint and how to use reference photos to finish the portrait when the model is no longer there.

Suitable for all levels.

Materials needed. 

A primed canvas or oil painting paper or board ready primed and painted in neutral or warm grey. You can use acrylic for this and Liquitex does a good neutral grey ‘Number 5.’ A canvas no smaller than A3. 40 cm x 50 cm is a good size.

Oil or acrylic paints, I prefer oils, but both are fine. 
Titanium white
Lemon yellow
Cadmium yellow
Cadmium red
Alizarin crimson
Burnt sienna
Ultramarine
Burnt or raw umber
Black
A palette
Medium for thinning paints and cleaning brushes (Zest-It, Sansodor or similar)
Brushes – a various selection, I like flat brushes.
Drawing tool, can be pastel pencil, pencil, charcoal
Rags to clean

We have spare material and equipment for students to use at the school if you have not got the full kit.