Prerequisities : None – Open to all levels

This class focuses on developing the observational and technical skills needed to draw expressive portraits in graphite pencil.

Through demonstrations and step-by-step exercises, you will learn how to create an atmospheric, emotive portrait.

Our goal is to convey mood, depth, and visual storytelling, transforming a portrait into a poetic visual expression.

We will begin with value scale studies, rendering techniques, blending, and subtractive methods to develop a strong understanding of light and shadow.

You will also explore facial construction, proportions, and features as the foundation for your portrait.

By combining these essential elements, you will move beyond capturing a physical likeness and develop portraits that express a unique and personal visual narrative.

Reference images and inspiration will be provided throughout the course.

Required Materials

• 1 Staedtler graphite pencil, hardness: 2B/4B
• MITSUBISHI HI-UNI Premium Wood Pencil, hardness: 4B (sold at Nota Bene)
• Kneaded eraser
• White eraser, pen-shaped
• Recommended: KUM Automatic AS2M Sharpener (DeSerres)
• Canson XL Bristol Smooth, 14 x 17 inches, 260 g (no smaller)
• Smudge stump #5 (DeSerres, sometimes sold in a pack) OR Q-tips
• Painter’s tape, 1 or 2 inches wide (any hardware store)

Cost: Approximately $60