The Art of Portrait Drawing

A six-week intensive at Oolite Arts offers a focused introduction to the principles of portrait drawing, emphasizing structure, proportion and expressive form through guided studio practice.

Led by teaching artist Michele del Campo, the course combines live demonstrations with hands-on exercises designed to build a strong technical foundation. Each session includes individualized feedback, group discussion and critiques, supporting steady skill development across a range of drawing approaches. The techniques explored are applicable beyond drawing, translating effectively to painting, sculpture and other disciplines grounded in observation and form.

Weekly sessions progress from constructive methods for understanding head structure and facial proportions to value-based drawing, shadow geometry and both additive and subtractive techniques. Students will work from live models in later weeks, culminating in a self-portrait that integrates structure, tonal control and likeness.

The Art of Portrait Drawing runs on Thursdays from January 15 through February 19, with morning and evening sections available. All materials requirements are provided in advance, and registration is required.