Ref: D2D40394
You will be learning the fundamentals of portraiture and how to use oil paint in a way that will open your eyes to form, skin tones and colour. It will allow you to respond and learn methods to produce immediate results and take away with you to practise, whether you are a beginner or starting anew.
Here, you can not only learn to use perspective, chiaroscuro (light and dark) and anatomy (particularly of eyes, nose and mouth), but also to see colour values, seeing and mixing warms/cools, planning and balancing the entire portrait before you begin.
You will learn about the qualities of paints, colours and how to mix mediums. You will be working with a limited colour palette and you will learn to make extensive options from them.
There will be a live model to work directly from and the chance to replicate a professional sitting by extending the poses (morning and afternoon).
The college will provide some cartridge paper and newsprint per student, and some oil paints in Burnt Umber, Ultramarine, Cadmium Red, Alizarine Crimson, Yellow Ochre, Zinc white, Titanium White, gesso, paint medium and studio safe solvent will be provided to share amongst the group.
There will be a portrait model for the duration of the course.
Please wear appropriate clothing/aprons for the workshop or studio, this includes stout covered footwear (no sandals or open toes).
Student registration: 10.30am - 11am
Course teaching: 11am – 5.15pm
Morning session: 11am - 1pm
Lunch break: 1pm - 2pm (lunch is not included)
Afternoon session: 2pm - 5.15pm (15 minute break, 3.30pm–3.45pm)
Teaching finishes: 5.15pm
Short courses are open to anyone aged 18 and over. The course fee covers tuition and materials where stated. You will need to bring all other items listed under the Materials to bring section.
Coffee and tea are included in the course fee, but you will need to bring lunch with you to eat in the refreshments room. There are also plenty of other local venues to purchase food.
If you have any specific access needs, we will need to know about your access requirements in advance. Please tell us about your needs in confidence by emailing: [email protected] This venue has steps to the front reception, with limited access via a side gate to the ground floor. There is a small lift to higher floors or stairs.
Short course students are required to sign a safety compliance form as part of West Dean Health and Safety regulations.
Please refer to our terms & conditions below.
The information given is accurate at the time of publication. However, West Dean College reserves the right to cancel or amend courses if circumstances require.
Zara Drummond changed career from award-winning Industrial Designer to Fine Artist after a riding accident. She re-trained at Chelsea College of Arts, and studied drawing at the Royal College of Arts. With paintings in private collections all over the world, Zara Drummond is best known for her portraits over the last twenty years.
Take the next step in your creative practice, with foundation level to Masters in Fine Art study.
Depending on your experience, start with an Online Foundation Certificate in Art and Design (one year, part-time), a Foundation Diploma in Art and Design made up of 10 short courses taken over two years (part-time) or advance your learning with our BA (Hons) Art and Contemporary Craft: Materials, Making, and Place (six years part-time). All will help you develop core skills, find direction in your practice and build an impressive portfolio in preparation for artist opportunities or higher-level study. See all degree and diploma courses.
