Discover the art of capturing the human face in this engaging portraiture drawing course in Sydney. The human face is endlessly varied and expressive, offering artists a powerful way to explore emotion, identity and connection. Throughout history, portraiture has revealed stories of bliss, anguish, strength and vulnerability.
Whether you are drawing for the first time or building on existing skills, this course will help you develop strong foundational techniques and greater confidence in observing and rendering the head and face. You will participate in three tutorial sessions and three sessions working with a live model, giving you invaluable hands-on experience.
Learning Outcomes
- Understand the anatomical structure of the head and face.
- Apply essential drawing techniques to create form, light and depth.
- Develop observation and life-drawing skills using a live model.
Course Content
- Geometric structure of the head, neck and shoulders.
- Cranial masses and facial features in proportion.
- Using light, shadow and tone to create 3D form.
- Working with monochromatic colour and temperature.
- Enhancing portraits by including hands and expressive elements.
Schedule & Pricing
- Five-week course, 6:30pm–9:00pm.
- Upcoming intakes: 4 May–1 June 2026 and 31 Aug–28 Sept 2026.
- Course fee from $379 (discount available when enrolling in multiple drawing courses).
Materials
- Option to purchase a full materials kit at enrolment.
- Or bring your own materials (see recommended materials list).
Details
You will learn
- Understand the anatomy of the human head and face
- Use light and shadow to create realistic 3D form
- Strengthen observation skills through life drawing
You will get
- Three tutorial sessions
- Three sessions with a live model
- Guidance from an experienced art tutor
Appropriate for
Beginners and students with some drawing experience.
Preparation
What to bring
- Purchased materials kit or your own drawing materials
- Closed-in shoes
- Old clothes with long hair tied back
What to wear
Closed-in shoes and old clothes; long hair tied back.
Your Teacher
Sydney Community College
Sydney Community College is a registered charity with a voluntary Board of Directors.
The College has a mission to offer innovative continuing adult education and training programmes that support individual efforts and facilitate sustainable social change.
We do this by:
- Providing quality continuing adult education opportunities for people to build practical and theoretical skills and develop knowledge;
- Leveraging from and developing community capacity and inclusivity;
- Developing innovative affordable and accessible skills training programmes;
- Partnering with like organisations to deliver learning opportunities for disadvantaged individuals and communities;
- Partnering with all levels of government to deliver education policy objectives.
Cancellations & Refunds
If the organiser cancels the class:
You are entitled to a full refund.
If you can't attend the class:
You’re welcome to send someone in your place.
OR
- A refund can be requested 10 days before class starts. An admin fee of AU$45.00 applies.
Terms & Conditions
At Sydney Community College, we know that plans can change unexpectedly. Whether it’s a shift in your schedule, a family emergency, or just a change of heart, we want to support you in the fairest way possible.
At the same time, we’re a not-for-profit organisation that commits resources to running each class—so last-minute cancellations can significantly impact our ability to offer quality, affordable programs.
That’s why we’ve created a simple, transparent policy that balances your need for flexibility with our need to plan and deliver courses sustainably. Our cancellation policy offers two clear options, depending on when you notify us:
Cancel More Than 10 Days Before the Course Starts – You can choose to receive a full refund, minus a $45 administration fee OR a non-refundable credit note valid for 12 months for the full value you paid for the course. This credit can be used towards any future course at the College.
Option 2: Cancel Within 10 Days of the Course Starting - You’ll receive a credit note valid for 12 months for 50% of the course fee you paid for the course. This credit can be used towards any future course at the College.
Please note that both refund and credit options are only available before the course begins. Once the course has started—or if you decide to withdraw after it has commenced—no refunds or credits can be issued. If you need to cancel your enrolment, just email us and we’ll take care of it based on the timelines above.
Have more questions about this class?
Tags:
Portraiture Drawing Course
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