Dynamic Portrait Drawing with Noel Thurgate (14-15 Nov)

Explore the character and individuality of the face in this two-day portrait drawing workshop with artist Noel Thurgate.

Working from both the mirror and the live model, participants will develop their understanding of facial structure, proportion, line, tone and gesture. Noel will guide you through a range of drawing approaches, from quick observational studies to more sustained portraits, while encouraging you to look beyond surface appearance to capture the character and presence of your subject.

Day 1: Self Portraits
The workshop begins with self-portraiture, using the mirror as a starting point for exploring facial structure, proportion and expression. Through a series of warm-up exercises and more sustained studies, participants will investigate how line, shape and tone can be used to describe the individual character of a face. Noel will also explore composition and different drawing techniques using pencil, graphite and charcoal.

Day 2: Portraits from the Life Model
Working directly from a live model, participants will put these observations into practice through a range of portrait studies. Beginning with quick sketches and gesture studies before moving into longer, more sustained drawings, Noel will introduce ways to ‘read’ the sitter and capture the structure, character and energy of the pose. Ink, brush and pen will be explored alongside water-soluble and dry drawing media.

Suitable for a range of experience levels, this workshop is an opportunity to strengthen observational drawing skills while developing a more expressive and confident approach to portraiture.