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PORTRAIT DRAWING
Workshop

Learn how to draw accurate, realistic portraits and head studies using proportion, light and shadow.

This workshop gives you the full experience of developing portrait drawings in a structured, professional setting. You’ll learn how to construct the human face using proportion, symmetry, and accurate placement of features, building a strong foundation for realistic portrait work. You’ll explore key drawing techniques including light, shadow, and shading, developing the skills to create depth, form, and a convincing sense of likeness.
 

After a short introduction to core drawing principles, it’s completely hands-on. From the moment you begin, you’ll be working from photographic references, applying the Loomis method and experimenting with shading techniques to see how subtle changes impact your results. Working alongside other participants, you’ll share ideas, refine your approach, and receive real-time feedback. By the end, you’ll have completed a developed portrait drawing, ready to build on as part of your growing artistic practice.

book

Portrait Drawing : Workshop

£10

Ready to start drawing portraits? Secure your place today and leave with skills, confidence, and a finished piece to show for it.

What You’ll Learn​

  • Proportion and structure of the human face

  • Accurate placement of facial features

  • Using the Loomis method for portrait construction

  • Understanding light, shadow and form

  • Shading techniques for depth and realism

  • Building confidence in portrait drawing

Group Size & Format

  • Maximum 7/8 people 

  • Practical and interactive

  • Learn by doing, not just watching

What’s Included

  • All drawing materials provided for participants

  • Step-by-step guidance on portrait construction

  • Demonstrations of proportion and shading techniques

  • Workshop slides provided as a PDF for reference

  • Note-taking materials provided

  • Individual feedback during the session

  • Supportive peer feedback throughout

  • A completed portrait drawing to take home

  • A strong foundation to build your skills further

Who It's For?

  • Beginners wanting to learn portrait drawing for the first time

  • Artists looking to refine proportion and shading techniques

  • Creatives interested in capturing realistic human features

  • Anyone wanting to build confidence in drawing people

  • Aspiring artists exploring portraiture as a skill or career path

Dates, Times & Location

  • All Dates are Below

  • Duration: [2 hours]

  • Location: Whitworth chambers, Northampton

What to Bring 

  • A reference image (printed or on your phone/tablet)

  • Sketchbook (optional, if you prefer your own)

  • Comfortable clothing for a relaxed drawing session

Price & Booking

  • Standard: Was £30

  • Subsidised: Now £10 

  • Refunds available up to 7 days before

Marco Drillings
Marco Drillings is a Northampton- based painter and draughtsman, originally from Düsseldorf, Germany. He holds a Master’s degree in Fine Art from the University of Northampton and has developed a strong focus on portraiture and the human form.

His work centres on capturing people in real, unfiltered environments, from self-portraits and close acquaintances to individuals encountered in everyday settings such as streets, workplaces, and social venues. This observational approach gives his work a raw, honest quality, grounded in human connection and lived experience.
 

Alongside his practice, Marco has taught portrait and life drawing courses, bringing a thoughtful and reflective approach to both creating and teaching art. His philosophy, “Painting people allows me to observe myself from a distance,” underpins both his work and his teaching, encouraging participants to explore identity, perception, and expression.

Marco is also actively engaged in community work, delivering art workshops in collaboration with an equality organisation supporting victims of hate crime, using creative practice as a tool for expression, reflection, and empowerment.

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