Discover the rich history and timeless beauty of this medium in our Charcoal Portrait Drawing class. Whether you are a beginner or have some experience, this class will equip you with the skills and techniques needed to produce beautiful charcoal drawings. You will be guided step-by-step on how to control lines, shading and blending to create depth and texture in your artwork. By the end of the class, you'll be amazed at the masterpieces you have created. Materials cost approximately $60 and will need to be purchased prior to class.

Charcoal Portrait Drawing

Course Description

Charcoal has long been valued as a versatile and expressive art medium, known for its rich, bold lines and ability to create deep contrasts and textures. It allows artists to capture everything from soft, delicate shading to dramatic, high-contrast details with ease. 

In this hands-on session, you'll explore the timeless beauty of charcoal while learning essential techniques for creating stunning portraits. Charcoal drawing is not only an accessible medium for beginners but also offers endless creative possibilities for those with more experience. This session will give you the tools to harness the medium’s potential and create artwork that truly stands out.

Throughout the session, you will learn how to control the subtle nuances of charcoal, from shading and blending to building depth and texture. With expert guidance, you'll focus on capturing accurate proportions and anatomy, helping you improve your portrait drawing skills. 

The relaxed and supportive atmosphere ensures that every student, no matter their experience level, can enjoy the process of creating their own masterpiece. 

By the end of the class, you will have gained confidence in using charcoal, leaving with a beautiful portrait that showcases your newfound abilities.

Course Structure

Topics covered in this course include:

• Drawing technique and the ability to draw
• How to control lines, shading and blending
• Creating depth and texture in your artwork
• Proportions of the head, anatomy, skull and muscles
• Use of different techniques in charcoal and other media

Course Learning Outcomes

Students attending this course will:

• Learn how to control charcoal lines, shading, and blending techniques.
• Develop skills to create depth and texture in your artwork.
• Understand the basic proportions of the head, anatomy, and facial features.
• Gain confidence in using charcoal as a medium for portrait drawing.
• Explore different techniques in charcoal and other drawing media.
• Improve your overall portrait drawing skills, regardless of experience level.

Course Requirements

Students will be required to bring the following materials costing approximately $60 to the course:

• 1 x compressed charcoal stick (extra soft) 
• 2 x medium Willow charcoal sticks 
• 1 x Generals charcoal pencil (4b or 6B) 
• 1 x Putty eraser 
• Cotton buds
• Small cloth/paper stump 
• 3 x 210 GSM Cartridge Paper (Como) A3 or A2 
• 2 x Butchers paper or cartridge

Student Testimonials

“I took my sister for her birthday and neither of us can draw. Gerard was great with us, patient and helped us learn from scratch and create an amazing piece of art.”

“My first time trying an art class of any medium and Gerard was an amazing instructor. I am now obsessed and will continue practicing my charcoal.”

“I have totally enjoyed this class. It was such a relaxing afternoon learning to draw in charcoal.”

Your Tutor is Gerard Mignot

Gerard commenced at the WEA in 2025.

After working as an illustrator for a greeting card company in South Australia, Gerard studied graphic design and pre-press printing.

He then honed his skills in various design studios and printing enterprises. Gerard specialises in portraiture and figurative art in both digital and traditional media. 

He owns an art gallery/gift shop in Norwood SA.