Portraits and Self-Portraits

In this portrait class, students will be encouraged to experiment with various drawing mediums, using colour and line to depict depth, shade and space.
  • Drawing a Head
  • Drawing the Clothed Model
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Portraits and Self-Portraits Image

Course details

Dates

Tuesdays
28 Apr – 30 Jun 2026

Times

18:00 – 21:00

Duration

10 sessions

Fees

£287.00 Concessions available

Location

Online

Fabian Heckmatt Self Portrait with Pencils

Overview

Students will have the opportunity to investigate a variety of approaches to mark making and there will be an emphasis on looking in detail at the individual, the peculiarities and structure of the head, down to the hair and hairline, discovering what makes a drawing a portrait.  

Tutors will set exercises to explore different themes and ideas to guide students throughout the day. 

Students will be encouraged to create self-portraits, portraits of those in their homes, and think about how they can represent their own reality both from the mirror and imagination.   

Who is it for

Beginners welcome. No experience of drawing required.  

What’s provided

For our online courses, you will receive prior to the start of the course access to our Padlet Noticeboard where you will be given course details, material lists and some references, as well as our Padlet Gallery where you will be able to upload and comment on work created during the course. 

What to bring

For our online courses, you must provide your own materials. Feel free to use any that you would like to during classes, however other suggestions may be posted on the Padlet noticeboard throughout the course by tutors. This is a suggested list of what may be needed:

-Drawing Pencils
-Conté Crayons 
-Pastels
-Ink Pens  
-Coloured Pencils  
-Putty and Hard Erasers  
-Pencil Sharpener 
-Sketchbook

Concessions

NHS staff receive a 20% discount; to apply participants must submit proof by emailing a photograph of their NHS staff badge to admin@royaldrawingschool.org before booking a course. 

Full-time BA students studying for a degree in Fine Art receive up to a 75% discount. Those studying on design or applied arts degrees may also be eligible on a case-by-case basis. Student ID and proof of enrolment must be submitted. Please email a picture of your student ID to admin@royaldrawingschool.org and wait to receive confirmation that your concession has been approved before booking. 

Primary and secondary school teachers who teach art receive a 50% discount; to apply participants must submit proof in the form of a letter from their head teacher or the head of the art department. Please e-mail a scan of this letter to admin@royaldrawingschool.org and wait to receive confirmation that your concession has been approved before booking. 

Individuals on job seekers allowance receive a 50% discount; to apply participants must provide evidence that you're receiving Jobseeker’s Allowance. Just provide a recent letter from JobCentre Plus/DWP confirming you're in receipt of this benefit. Unfortunately, we cannot accept Jobseeker’s Allowance appointment booklets as valid evidence. You may also apply if you receive Universal Credit under the conditions of being out of work. Please send a copy of your proof/official letter to admin@royaldrawingschool.org and and wait to receive confirmation that your concession has been approved before booking. 

Individuals who receive disability support are eligible for a 50% discount; to apply participants must submit proof that they are currently receiving this allowance. Please email a scan of your letter to admin@royaldrawingschool.org and wait to receive confirmation that your concession has been approved before booking. 

Tower Hamlet and Hackney residents are eligible for a 25% discount on courses at Shoreditch; to apply participants must show proof of living in these boroughs in the form of your most recent council tax bill. Please email a scan of your letter to admin@royaldrawingschool.org and wait to receive confirmation that your concession has been approved before booking. 

Tower Hamlet and Hackney businesses are eligible for a 25% discount on courses at Shoreditch during the Autumn Term; to apply participants must show proof of working in these boroughs in the form a staff ID, business card, or headed letter from your line manager. Please email a scan of your proof to admin@royaldrawingschool.org and wait to receive confirmation that your concession has been approved before booking. 

Individuals over the age of 60 may apply for a 10% discount on courses at Shoreditch; to apply participants must show proof of being over 60. Please email a picture of your ID to admin@royaldrawingschool.org and wait to receive confirmation that your concession has been approved before booking. 

Alumni of the Royal Drawing School's Postgraduate programme and Foundation Year receive a 50% discount on courses

Alumni of the Online Drawing Development Year receive a 50% discount on online short courses.

 

To apply for a concession:

  • first submit any documents/proof pertaining to the concession you are applying for, to admin@royaldrawingschool.org. 
  • wait for an email confirming your concession has been approved before booking and paying for your course.

Please check that your evidence:

  • is dated within the last 6 months from the start date of your course, or within the last year if pertaining to council tax. 
  • shows your name as a claimant
  • is presented to us in one of the following formats: PDF, JPG, .DOC or .DOCX

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

 Image: 'Self-portrait' by Chi Park 

Tutors

Dexter Orszagh loading=
Dexter Orszagh

Tutor, Drawing Year Alumnus, 2021

Jessica Jane Charleston loading=
Jessica Jane Charleston

Tutor, Drawing Year Alumna, 2017