Portrait Drawing

As human beings we are naturally drawn to the depiction of our fellow humans in artwork. We are also naturally finely attuned to specificity and accuracy in figurative art, especially portraiture. This need for accuracy can make portraiture challenging, but the rewards, both personal and professional, of achieving success in this field can be significant.

To build a strong basis for portraiture this class will start with an exploration of head structure, using graphite pencils to study the forms and proportions of the human skull. We will then continue with studies from selected art historical paintings that exemplify successful integration of essential information for portraiture.

Throughout the class a few basic mark making exercises introduced in the Center for Lifelong Learning’s Beginning Drawing class will help with “warming up.” In order to build this fundamental understanding of head structure in portraiture patience and a willingness to revise a work in progress will be important.

Prerequisite: Experience taking a drawing class such as the Beginning Drawing class offered through the Center for Lifelong Learning will be needed.

This class may be useful for students who are exploring making art for fun or recreation, or for those with potential professional aspirations.

SUPPLIES: The following supplies or their equivalent are recommended for this class. If you have questions or concerns about purchasing supplies, please let us know prior to the class start.

Note: Bloomington Fine Art Supply, a local, independent art store located at 207 S. Rogers Street near the corner of 4^th and Rogers Streets, also has a copy of this list and is a recommended resource for supplies for this class. Bloomington Fine Art Supply’s website is bfasupply.com, their phone number is 812-369-4013, and their email is bfa.supply@gmail.com.

Required
- Graphite art pencils: 8B, 6B, 4B, 2B, HB 
- 14”x17” or 18”x24” drawing pad 
- Kneaded eraser
- Pink eraser
- Snap blade cutter (a sharp box cutter or utility knife will work)

Optional
- Drawing board with clips (This is useful for drawing on the large pad at home. Drawing boards and clips will be available for use in class. We will discuss this on the first day of class.)
- Sketchbook – 9”x12” recommended
- Mechanical pencil style eraser – Tombow Mono round or rectangular (This is a fine line erasing tool)
- Workable matte fixative