Face to Face: Creative & Social Portrait Drawing

Advanced

Beginner

Intermediate

Adults

Drawing

Fall 2026

Schedule

Thursdays November 12 - December 10
6:45 - 8:45pm

Location

Course Fee

$295 + HST

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About this course

This five-week social and interactive course is dedicated to the essential skills and sheer pleasure of drawing faces, offering a low-pressure environment for both beginners and those with some prior experience. We will cover the basic proportions of the head and face as seen from the front, side and three-quarter views, with plenty of opportunity to practice using one another’s faces as well as the drawings of contemporary and historical artists. With practice, you will be able to capture a likeness by learning to see how each head and each pose offers a unique variation on common proportions. We will explore how varying drawing materials can refine a portrait’s unique visual and emotional qualities. We will share cool insights into portraiture by looking at stories from famous artists and their sitters. Through individual practice as well as collaborative activities, the studio setting will offer a safe, structured, and respectful space for you to connect and grow creatively. Do this course once, or repeat it for an ongoing portrait practice.

What you'll learn

Learn the basic proportions of the face and head from different angles (front, side, three-quarters).
Discover how to use pencil, charcoal and ink to capture the look and character of a face
Improve your observational drawing skills that can be applied to anything you draw.
Get practical tips for drawing from family and friends and sketching in public.
Create portraits both individually (like self-portraits) and through fun group activities.Develop an appreciation for the expressive qualities of portrait drawing.

A sketchbook (at least 7 x 10” or larger, with a minimum of 60 sheets of paper). Look for white paper with a slightly rough texture or ‘tooth’ that is not too thin – at least 60lbs.
2B pencil
Pencil sharpener and something to catch the sharpenings
White eraser
Kneaded eraser
Willow charcoal, a few round sticks, about 4 inches long
A small bottle of india ink

Nice to have but not essential:

Variety of pencils, such as H or F and 4B
A pen, whether a fine pen with permanent ink such as Sakura Pigma Micron .05 OR a pen with watersoluble ink, OR even a ballpoint
Any other drawing materials you already own and enjoy using

What students say

They didn't think they were artists either.

"I really didn't know the first thing about Contemporary art beforehand. He has a real talent for encouraging and inspiring students — everyone leaves his classes feeling great about themselves and their work."

Jamie Mudrick · Art of Colour

"A very engaging and fun class. It's a fantastic way to help loosen up and get the creative juices flowing. If I was able to, I would take this course every time it's offered."

Leslie Greenbaum · Drawing More Expressively

"I loved all of the exercises — it was very inspiring for me and a fabulous entry into drawing. It was way too short. The four weeks flew by."

Jamie Mudrick · Drawing More Expressively

"She was incredibly patient with me as a first time painter and gave detailed instruction on how to move my piece forward while preserving and helping me to find my own artistic style."

Adult student · Acrylic Art 101

"I am a beginner painter and learned a lot and now feel confident to paint on my own. I attended three courses — it was a lovely experience."

Shipra Pandey · Acrylic Art 101

"Rachel's demeanor is great. Her feedback and inclusiveness made it a comfortable environment. This class made me look forward to Monday evenings."

Itzel Rendon · Drawing for Beginners

"I really appreciate the focus on right-brain thinking and learning to be in a more receptive, curious state. The warm-up exercises were fun and novel — it helped me get out of my own way."

S. Siskind · Drawing for Beginners

ROSE MONTGOMERY-WHICHER

Ph.D. Art Education (Alberta) · Routledge Author, 2022 · Taught at University of London, Kettle's Yard & Royal Winnipeg Ballet School · Observation Drawing

Rose Montgomery-Whicher is a distinguished artist, educator, and author whose practice is centered on the meditative art of observation drawing. With a PhD in Art Education from the University of Alberta and an MA from Concordia, her teaching is deeply informed by a philosophical and historical research background. She has shared her expertise across prestigious international institutions, including the University of London, Kettle’s Yard in Cambridge, and the Royal Winnipeg Ballet School. Through her work, she helps students of all ages find confidence and innovation while discovering the joys of the creative process. Rose is also the author of a 2022 Routledge publication exploring the phenomenology of drawing as a way of preserving fleeting, specific experiences. Based in Toronto, she balances her academic pursuits with her family and a dog with the excellent name of Tapioca.

FAQs

Please find answers to commonly asked questions here. If you're still in doubt, don't hesitate to contact us: contactus@avenueroadartsschool.com