This portraiture course is run by Richard Barnfather. He graduated with BA Hons at Winchester School of Art in 1997. Since then he has intermittently exhibited and sold his artworks in a range of art venues. He recently won the ‘People’s Prize’ for his portrait diptych at the 2023 CAS Open in Andover. For 25 years he has consistently taught art to all age ranges upwards from 16yr olds.
In his words, “During this course my aim will be to help you explore and enjoy the process of engaging with the human face as an exciting subject for making art. The aim is to help you develop self confidence in drawing and painting at your own level and experience. In addition, I will aim to introduce you to a range of interesting and expressive ways of working from observation and your imagination. Portraiture is a truly fascinating genre in art, with a vast history of examples to tap into. We will explore both traditional and experimental examples.”
Richard will introduce you, step by step, to the fundamentals of drawing the face and the figure. This will initially consist of observational drawing, taking into consideration methods of measuring and scaling, both from life and from photographs. As part of the process we will touch upon how to use perspective effectively in your work.
You will be introduced to methods of mixing, arranging and layering colours to help with skin tones and how to effectively use colour in a tonal way to achieve a sense of volume and depth.
To help you find and develop your own personal style, Richard will discuss and demonstrate various ways to work expressively through exploring mark making, textures, composition, sketching in colour, collaging and much more.
As part of the learning process, you will be introduced to, and try working in the style of artists, some renowned and some less well known, for their novel approaches to the portrayal of the human face and form.
Richard is a longstanding teacher and facilitator of all aspects of art and design and is friendly and supportive of each student, whatever their experience or skill levels. He likes to strike a balance between the setting up of group art activities and an individualised approach to help each student to further develop their ability, confidence and pleasure in the subject.
Beginners and the more experienced, all welcome. There are no specific entry requirements for this course. If you are open to learning and keen to have a go, enjoy working amongst other art lovers, then you are in the right place!
A basic art ‘kit’ would be very useful, if not essential! For the first couple of lessons this will initially consist of drawing pencil/s, pencil sharpener, soft eraser, putty rubber and an A3 (cartridge paper) sketch book. During these first couple of weeks of the course, Richard will discuss further materials such as which paints we will use and a range of colours to acquire. You may well already have a range of other art materials, so it will just be a case of making sure you have what you need.
Further study, or you could consider enrolling onto one of our other art-based courses. Your tutor will be happy to offer advice according to your plans and interests.