This course is suitable for beginners or people with some experience of drawing or painting who wish to develop their portrait painting skills. It can be taken after attending the portrait drawing course or simply on its own. The course will start from the basic principles and techniques of painting the human head and face, including the structure and correct proportions of the head, the facial features and the hair. From initial drawings you will quickly move into painting and working with colour whilst learning how to achieve likeness and texture. You will be encouraged to work in your own individual style using acrylic paint. You will be led through many short exercises to improve your general portrait painting abilities before moving on to more complete work. You will have the opportunity to learn from group critiques and one-to-one advice, and there will be references to portrait painting in art history. There will be different models throughout the week so that you can try a variety of approaches. At the end of the course you will have the confidence to take on a portrait painting from life and a good portfolio of work.