Skillshare: Portrait Essentials
Master the Art of Portraiture: 8-Week Skillshare Series
We are excited to announce the next project in our Skillshare series, an immersive 8-week deep dive on portraiture at ROAR art space, designed to help you hone your skills and give you time and space to work from real life. Whether you're just starting out or looking to refine your techniques, these sessions offers something for everyone. By the end, you'll not only have a stronger grasp of portrait fundamentals, but you'll also have a collection of works created from live model sessions to elevate your portfolio.
Weeks 1-2: Foundations of Portraiture
In the first two weeks, we’ll dive deep into the fundamentals of portrait drawing. You’ll learn key concepts that form the backbone of successful portraiture, including:
Proportions: Understanding the structure of the face and how to accurately depict the relationship between features.
Shading: Techniques to create depth, volume, and the illusion of light on the face.
Likeness: Capturing the essence and unique characteristics of your subject to create recognisable and lifelike portraits.
These foundational skills are essential whether you're working from a live model, photograph, or even your imagination.
Weeks 3-8: Live Model Sessions
Starting in week three, the course shifts into a dynamic, hands-on experience with live model drawing sessions. We will host three different live models, each posing for two weeks. This structure allows you to practice:
Real-time observation which will help you sharpen your ability to see and capture your subject’s features, expressions, and posture accurately.
Experimenting with various materials and techniques, from classical approaches to more contemporary and expressive styles.
Focusing on the finer details, giving you the chance to fully develop a portrait over the course of multiple sessions.
Each model brings their own unique qualities, offering you the chance to study diverse facial structures, expressions, and personalities. By the end of the series, you'll have had the opportunity to create multiple portraits and witness your own progress as an artist.
Why Join?
This series is designed to help you develop confidence in your artistic abilities while fostering creativity in a supportive, hands-on environment.
Whether you’re a beginner or experienced artist, you'll be able to develop your skills. You’ll also be able to share your progress with fellow artists, exchange tips, and encourage each other along the way.
There's nothing like drawing from a live model—it's a unique experience that improves your observational skills and deepens your understanding of human anatomy and expression.
If you've ever been curious about portraiture or are looking for a structured way to improve, this series is the perfect place to start.
Our first session kicks off soon, and we can't wait to see you there, ready to embark on this artistic journey.
Key Dates
Week 1 - 24th October | Week 2 - 30th October | Week 3 - 7th November | Week 4 - 14th November | Week 5 - 21st November | Week 6 - 28th November | Week 7 - 5th December | Week 8 - 12th December
Hand in of work for exhibition - W/C 16th December
Exhibition of work - W/C 6th January
Email us if you have any questions: team@rotherhamroar.org