Christmas Holiday // Drawing and Painting: The Contemporary Portrait

This drawing and painting course is taught by two artists each with a different approach to working from the head. Techniques and ideas from the work of both artists will inform approaches of drawing the portrait back in the studio.  Over the week, the course will offer an opportunity for a sustained period of enquiry, revision and experimentation and seeks to develop both perceptual skills and a personal language in response to the sitter. Referencing a broad range of contemporary and traditional artists from Hans Holbein to Lucian Freud, Alice Neel and Paula Modherson Becker this course will explore the many facets of the drawn and painted portrait. We will explore how scale, depth, focus, tonal range, viewpoint and composition can affect the works’ emotional charge. All levels welcome including beginners.   


You will have to purchase recommended materials; a material list will be sent out before the start of the course. 

Online Short Course FAQs 

This course is for students 18 and over. 


Unfortunately, we do not offer concessions on our holiday courses.

All of our course rates are subsidised and we also offer a comprehensive concessions scheme. View all course fees and concessions.

Featured image by David Gardner