This course provides a comprehensive introduction to portrait drawing and oil painting and is an opportunity for those wishing to strengthen their skill set and methodological practice in art making and realism.

The year long course structure is designed to help participants build a body of work that culminates in a deeper understanding of the human form as applied to the portrait. Through observation of the living model participants will be provided with knowledge in an environment of care, understanding of learning within a Kaupapa Māori framework that emphasises manaakitanga (support and respect).

The first half of the year will focus on drawing, structure and poster studies of the human head, full body, drapery, and hands as applied to observation from the live model through a series of quick to medium long poses. Exercises to develop participants sense of proportion, light, colour, line, and tone will be provided with supplementary exercise in anatomy and structure. Drawing and painting demonstrations will be given throughout the year.

As the course progresses, long pose oil painting will be integrated into the learning process whereby elements taught in the first half of the year will be developed further by in-depth observation of light and its effects on the living figure. Long pose painting is key to mastery of the varying elements in figure painting and will also address pictorial components such as composition and tonal key. These methodologies will provide a greater context for the student to take their painting process from the technical to narrative based portrait painting. Supplementary lectures on art history, colour perception will provide greater context to the contemporary place of portraiture.

On completion of this course students will be able to draw and paint from the live model with greater confidence and facilitate a deeper understanding of portraiture both contemporary and traditional. Participants will come away from the course with knowledge and skill set allowing them to understand portraiture in a fresh and unique way.