Portrait Drawing for Beginners

Master the basics and build strong foundations in portrait drawing!



2 hours Class size 1 to 20 guests   $110 (Afterpay available)

Unlock the magic of portrait drawing to express emotions and narrate compelling stories through art.
This comprehensive two-hour online workshop is designed to teach essential techniques that will elevate your portrait skills.
Whether you're a beginner or looking to refine your craft, this workshop offers valuable insights and hands-on practice. Learn directly from Sorour Fattahi, one of the 2024 Brisbane Portrait Prize finalists, and gain the skills needed to create expressive and captivating portraits.
What you'll learn:
  • Learn the foundational structure of the human face and how to maintain accurate proportions that serve as the base for any portrait.
  • Break down the complexities of drawing eyes, nose, mouth, and other facial features to bring out emotions and expressions effectively.
  • Dive into the works of renowned portrait artists to analyse techniques and styles. Gain inspiration and apply these insights to your own work.
Workshop structure:
1. Introduction and Warm-Up (15 minutes):
  • Brief overview of the course objectives.
  • Quick warm-up sketching exercise focusing on basic face proportions.
2. Section 1: Mastering Facial Proportions (25 minutes):
  • Detailed walkthrough of facial proportions: dividing the face into key sections.
  • Demonstration of common mistakes and how to avoid them.
  • Hands-on practise session with live feedback.
3. Section 2: Breaking Down Facial Features (30 minutes):
  • Focused study on each facial feature (eyes, nose, mouth, etc.).
  • Tips on how to add character and emotion through subtle details.
  • Guided exercises to practise drawing expressive eyes, dynamic mouths, and realistic noses.
4. Section 3: Learn from the Masters (20 minutes):
  • Overview of master portrait artists and their techniques.
  • Group analysis of a few selected works to understand how they convey emotion and narrative.
  • Hands-on application: Sketching a portrait inspired by the discussed artists.
5. Final Activity: Creating an Expressive Portrait (20 minutes):
  • Guided drawing session to create a portrait that captures an emotion or tells a story.
  • Participants will choose a reference or use their imagination to create an expressive portrait.
6. Wrap-Up and Feedback (10 minutes):
  • Participants share their work (optional).
  • Personalised feedback and tips for improvement.
  • Final Q&A and advice for continuing practice.
This workshop offers a blend of instruction, hands-on practice, and inspiration, making it suitable for artists at different stages in their journey. You will leave with a strong foundation in portrait drawing and the confidence to create more expressive work.
Knowledge required
Who should attend:
  • Beginners interested in learning the basics of portrait drawing.
  • Intermediate artists looking to improve their ability to capture emotion and expression.
  • Anyone passionate about drawing and storytelling through art.
What to bring
  • Pen/Pencil/Marker, etc.
  • Papers.
Verified reviews

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Recent reviews of Portrait Drawing for Beginners

  • 5/5 from Anastasia Joseski, attended Sep 2024: Excellent learning class! Teacher went through basics techniques breaking down head shapes, facial structures and different positions and how you start. The moved onto adding unique details for portraits, learning about how different features reflect different emotion. A wonderful class! I learned so much.
Your teacher

Sorour Fattahi
Sorour Fattahi

4.7 (3)
female Women-owned

Hello and welcome!
My name is Sorour. I’m a multidisciplinary artist, bookbinder, educator, and the creative behind Gallery 19.
My teaching philosophy is built around four simple pillars:
  • playfulness,
  • exploration,
  • self-expression & wellbeing,
  • and skill & craftsmanship.
When you join one of my live online or in-person classes, you aren't just learning a technique; you'll discover a calm, supportive space where hands-on craftsmanship meets joyful experimentation. My goal is for you to learn something tangible, while having the freedom to be curious and enjoy the process.
With formal training in visual art and a background in mental health studies, I deeply believe that creative practice is a wonderful way to unplug, refocus, and nurture your wellbeing.
Whether you're picking up a pen for the first time or looking to slow down and reconnect with your creativity, my sessions are designed to be a welcoming, low-pressure sanctuary.
I look forward to making art with you!

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2026-10-30 15:00:00
class 0 V48I01Z33L 34c052b7f77f35dccea660a6ce51910d 1 production sydney Sydney NSW AU sydney