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
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Portraits and Self-Portraits Image

Course details

Dates

16 September – 18 November 2025

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 exploring 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 we can represent our 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

We offer a range of discounts. To apply, email admin@royaldrawingschool.org with the required proof. Please wait for confirmation before booking.

 Available discounts

  • NHS Staff: 20%
    Send a photo of your NHS staff badge.
  • Full-time Fine Art BA Students: 75%
    Students on design or applied arts degrees may also be eligible. Send your student ID and proof of enrolment.
  • Primary and Secondary Art Teachers: 50%
    Send a letter from your headteacher or head of art department.
  • Jobseekers: 50%
    Send a recent DWP or JobCentre Plus letter confirming you receive Jobseeker’s Allowance or Universal Credit (if out of work). Appointment booklets are not accepted.
  • Disability Benefit Recipients: 50%
    Send proof that you currently receive this allowance.
  • Tower Hamlets and Hackney Residents: 25% (Shoreditch courses only)
    Send a copy of your most recent council tax bill.
  • Tower Hamlets and Hackney Businesses: 25% (Shoreditch courses only)
    Send a staff ID, business card or a letter from your line manager.
  • Over 60s: 10%
    Send a photo ID as proof of age.
  • Alumni: Postgraduate Programme or Foundation Year: 50% off short courses
    Online Drawing Development Year: 50% off online short courses

Before you apply

  • Documents must be dated within the last 6 months (or 12 months for council tax)
  • Your name must be clearly visible
  • Accepted file formats: PDF, JPG, DOC or DOCX

All our courses are subsidised.

Tutors

Rachel Mercer loading=
Rachel Mercer

Tutor, Drawing Year Alumni, 2013

Jessica Jane Charleston loading=
Jessica Jane Charleston

Tutor, Drawing Year Alumni, 2017