Portrait Drawing for Beginners

Master the basics, build strong foundations.



2 hours Class size 1 to 20 guests

$110 (Afterpay available)


Unlock the magic of portrait drawing to express emotions and narrate compelling stories through art.
This comprehensive 2-hour online workshop is designed to teach essential techniques that will elevate your portrait skills. Whether you're a beginner or looking to refine your craft, this workshop offers valuable insights and hands-on practise. Learn directly from Sorour Fattahi, one of the 2024 Brisbane Portrait Prize finalists, and gain the skills needed to create expressive and captivating portraits.
Duration: 2 hours - Live Stream
Cost: $110
What You'll Learn:
  • Understanding Basic Proportions of the Face: Learn the foundational structure of the human face and how to maintain accurate proportions that serve as the base for any portrait.
  • Studying Facial Features Individually: Break down the complexities of drawing eyes, nose, mouth, and other facial features to bring out emotions and expressions effectively.
  • Experiment and Explore: Study Master Artists: Dive into the works of renowned portrait artists to analyse techniques and styles. Gain inspiration and apply these insights to your own work.
Workshop Structure:
1. Introduction and Warm-Up (15 minutes):
  • Brief overview of the course objectives.
  • Quick warm-up sketching exercise focusing on basic face proportions.
2. Section 1: Mastering Facial Proportions (25 minutes):
  • Detailed walkthrough of facial proportions: dividing the face into key sections.
  • Demonstration of common mistakes and how to avoid them.
  • Hands-on practise session with live feedback.
3. Section 2: Breaking Down Facial Features (30 minutes):
  • Focused study on each facial feature (eyes, nose, mouth, etc.).
  • Tips on how to add character and emotion through subtle details.
  • Guided exercises to practise drawing expressive eyes, dynamic mouths, and realistic noses.
4. Section 3: Learn from the Masters (20 minutes):
  • Overview of master portrait artists and their techniques.
  • Group analysis of a few selected works to understand how they convey emotion and narrative.
  • Hands-on application: Sketching a portrait inspired by the discussed artists.
5. Final Activity: Creating an Expressive Portrait (20 minutes):
  • Guided drawing session to create a portrait that captures an emotion or tells a story.
  • Participants will choose a reference or use their imagination to create an expressive portrait.
6. Wrap-Up and Feedback (10 minutes):
  • Participants share their work (optional).
  • Personalised feedback and tips for improvement.
  • Final Q&A and advice for continuing practise.
Who Should Attend:
  • Beginners interested in learning the basics of portrait drawing.
  • Intermediate artists looking to improve their ability to capture emotion and expression.
  • Anyone passionate about drawing and storytelling through art.


Knowledge required
Beginners / Intermediates
This workshop offers a blend of instruction, hands-on practice, and inspiration, making it suitable for artists at different stages in their journey. Participants will leave with a strong foundation in portrait drawing and the confidence to create more expressive work.
What to bring
Pen / Pencil / Marker / etc...
Papers
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Your teacher

Sorour Fattahi
Sorour Fattahi

5.0 (1)
female Women-owned

Hello, I’m Sorour, a multidisciplinary artist, bookbinder, and educator based in Canaipa / Russell Island, Qld.
With over three decades of experience in the arts, my creative journey spans diverse cultures and practices, enriched by my time in Australia, the UK, Iran, and Lithuania.
I hold a Master of Science by Research in Art from the University of Edinburgh, a Master of Visual Art by Research from Queensland College of Art, a Master of Art in Graphics, and a Bachelor of Art in Painting from Azad University. My formal training also includes Persian Calligraphy and pattern-drafting, which have added unique dimensions to my artistic practice.
In 2024, I was honored to be a finalist in the Brisbane Portrait Prize.
My work has been exhibited internationally, from Lithuania’s National Library to Edinburgh’s Tent Gallery and Brisbane’s Petrie Terrace Gallery. I am passionate about not only creating art but also teaching it. My classes and workshops offer a relaxed and supportive environment where beginners and seasoned artists alike can explore their creativity with confidence. Whether through bookbinding, mixed media, or drawing, I aim to inspire others to express themselves and find joy in the artistic process.
Let’s embark on this creative journey together!

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2025-01-03 15:00:00
V48I01Z33L 34c052b7f77f35dccea660a6ce51910d production Sydney NSW AU sydney