Charcoal Portrait Course - The Soft Approach

Course Price £120, reserve your place with a £40 deposit,  the remainder will be invoiced before the course. 

Charcoal is a beautiful drawing medium, well suited to portraiture. It has a wide tonal range and can be creatively manipulated to stunning effect.

The delicacy of charcoal is its strength but can also make it a little tricky to use. The approach you’ll learn on this course will help you handle it confidently and get the most out of it by building it up in controlled layers.

The method can also be used to great effect for still life, landscape or life drawing. It is also very effective when used with paint especially for Alla Prima work.

You’ll produce a charcoal portrait study by working gently into the drawing in an open flexible manner allowing you to get things right at your own speed over the course of the drawing.

Each stage will be demonstrated showing you exactly what is needed at each stage. In the second part of each lesson you’ll work on your own portrait using reference images sent to you specially for the course.

What you’ll learn

• A flexible, open approach to drawing portraits
• Effective use of Light, mid-tone and shadow
• Creation of atmosphere through layering
• How to create focus through selective rendering of detail

Whatever your level of experience this approach to portrait drawing will have something for everyone. Numbers are limited, giving everyone plenty of feedback.

Is this course for me?

Whatever your level of experience this approach to portrait drawing will have something for everyone.

Whether you’re a beginner or more experienced it will offer you chance to try a different approach and develop your existing skills.

If your aim is to draw portraits, the course will help you focus on the fundamental drawing skills necessary to give your paintings a strong foundation.

If you struggle with the head in your life drawing the course will help you take your drawings to the next level.

Numbers are limited, giving you plenty of personal feedback and helping you work towards your own personal goals. Whether you’re looking to learn core principles or push your skills from a more advanced position the course will have plenty to offer.

About Christopher Clements

Christopher Clements is a professional painter and founder of Northern Realist Drawing & Painting. He has exhibited internationally and featured in the Royal Society of Portrait Painters and Pastel Society annual exhibitions. He studied Fine Art at Manchester School of Art and Classical Drawing and Painting at the Angel Academy, Florence. Christopher has been teaching drawing and painting at Northern Realist and the University of Salford for 7 years. He combines his extensive subject knowledge and friendly approach to bring out the best in his students. Classes with Christopher are always informative, constructive and fun.

How The Course Works and What You’ll Need

The workshop will be done using Zoom, you will be emailed a reference image after booking and an invitation to each session half an hour before the class begins.

Bookings are made by paying a £40 deposit here on Eventbrite. You will then be invoiced for the remaining balance which is due before the course begins.

You’ll need an internet connection and webcam and the following materials:

:

• 1 Piece of Canson Mi-Teintes pastel paper
• 1 medium bristle brush
• 1 soft brush
• Nitram Fine Art Charcoal, B & HB (H is useful but not essential)
• Willow charcoal
• Putty rubber
• Blending stump
• Sanding block
• Soft eraser
• Sponge brush

More Info & Contact Details

Contact: info@northernrealist.com

Visit the Northern Realist Website for more workshops

FAQs

What software do I need?

None, you will be sent an invitation to each week’s Zoom meeting half an hour before the course begins. Click on that and a window will open on your computer with on screen instructions.

How can I contact the organiser with any questions?

Chris: info@northernrealist.com

What's the refund policy?

Cancellations are possible up to 2 weeks prior to the start of the course. Full refund if the course is cancelled