Portraiture From Life

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Course code: P56B

An opportunity to draw or paint portraits from a life model.

when: From 24 Apr 2026 to 22 May 2026
Fri 09:45-12:15 5 weeks
Tutor: Bill Guilding

where

Stoke Lodge

Stoke Lodge Centre, Shirehampton Road
Stoke Bishop
Bristol
BS9 1BN

fees

full fee for this course £105.00, concession fee £63.00

who

Bristol Adult Learning

stokelodge@bristol.gov.uk

0117 903 8844

Description

An introduction to the core principles of portrait drawing and painting, with a focus on achieving strong likenesses.

What can students expect?

Guided by an experienced portrait tutor and artist, you will draw or paint a different clothed sitter each week. You may use any drawing medium you prefer—charcoal, pastels, crayons—or, if you are a confident and quick painter, watercolours or acrylics in a drawing-focused approach.

Late starters allowed?

Yes, but this is a short course, so it is best to join by week 2.

Previous experience required?

Some previous experience of drawing from observation is recommended.

What is the progression route?

Other drawing courses.

Are there any extra costs?

Yes. Model fee of £36 for the course to be paid to the tutor during first session.

Work set between sessions?

No. But the tutor will give feedback on anything learners may choose to do between sessions.

What should students bring?

<ul>
<li>2 or 3 sheets of A3 white drawing paper or a sketch pad</li>
<li>Pencil, charcoal or graphite stick </li>
<li>Eraser </li>
<li>Masking-tape or drawing clips or bull-dog clips</li>
<li>Model fee of £36in cash</li>
</ul>

 

Most learners use a drawing board on an easel or table-easel, both of which will be provided.

Teaching method/style?

Practice, guidance and feedback. There will also be short demonstrations, guidelines about the structure of faces and plenty of help from the tutor. You will also learn from the work of your fellow learners!

Equipment Required

The following are optional: 

<ul>
<li>Coloured soft/chalky pastels </li>
<li>Coloured paper (sugar, pastel or parcel paper)</li>
<li>Acrylic or watercolour paints. Useful colours for mixing skin-shades are Burnt Sienna, Raw Sienna, Raw Umber & Orange</li>
<li>Heavy paper</li>
<li>Brushes</li>
<li>A palette</li>
<li>Water-jar</li>
</ul>

Coloured pencils/crayons

Refunds and cancellations

Course Cancellations by Us

• If we cancel your course, your fees will be refunded in full.

• We cannot reimburse the cost of any materials you may have purchased.

Cancellations by You

• If you cancel 7 days or more before the course start date: Refund issued minus a 20% administration fee.

• If you cancel less than 7 days before the start date or after the course has started: No refund will be issued.

Transfers

• Transfers must be requested at least 7 days before the course start date.

• A 10% transfer fee applies.

• Transfers due to our cancellation of your original course are free of charge.

Illness and Absence

• No refunds are available for non-attendance due to sickness or ill health.

How Refunds Are Issued

• Refunds are returned via the original payment method:

• Booked online or by phone - Refund to the card used.

• Paid in person at Stoke Lodge - Please bring your payment card to the office.

Online Course Access

• Learners are responsible for ensuring they have suitable internet access and equipment before the course begins.

• No refunds will be issued due to technical issues with a learner’s own internet or computer