The Portrait Sketch with Stephanie Mills - FEB 1 & 2

The Portrait Sketch

For this workshop we will have one model holding a sustained pose for the two days and we will focus on covering the stages of drawing a portrait from the initial block-in where we look at big proportions and gesture, to getting a likeness through accurate observation and construction of shapes, to modelling the form. Consideration will also be given to topics such as line weight and edges.

Students will be provided with paper and can choose whether to tone it with charcoal powder. Toned paper can be useful for creating a more finished drawing when model time is limited.

This workshop is suitable for all levels of drawing ability. Attendees will receive multiple individual critiques throughout the two days.



Materials To Bring:

Pencils (I use Staedtler 4B, 2B and 2H) but any pencils are fine, including clutch pencils.

Pencil sharpener and/or craft knife and sharpening pad.

Putty rubber and a hard eraser (Tombow).

Charcoal pencils such as General’s or a small stick of vine charcoal.

Chalk or chalk pencil. I use Faber-Castell Pitt Pastel medium.

Knitting needle (or something similar for measuring).

Small, soft brush for moving the graphite and charcoal around on the paper. I use a number 7, Pro Arte Prolene Plus 007.

Please also bring something to protect and carry your work home in from the studio