Portrait Drawing on Coloured Paper with Tom Van de Wouwer (April 2025)

The aim for students during this workshop is to draw portraits from observation.

The primary emphasis will be on balancing an analytical approach of the visual experience with an emotive connection to the seen world. Students will be drawing the portrait onto a prepared or coloured paper. This method of working more easily allows for a painterly approach while drawing then a strictly linear setup on white paper.

We will cover different approaches such as charcoal grounds or using coloured paper with chalk and pencil techniques. Previous painting experience, although helpful, isn’t a prerequisite for this workshop.

Topics that will be covered include:

• How to establish a likeness
• Cranial anatomy and structure
• How to achieve a sense of form
• Creating an overall light impression
• Understanding values 

All of these ideas will be explained through visual demonstrations as well as in-depth individual feedback. Tom spends extended time demoing the techniques, giving you the opportunity to watch and ask any questions.

One-on-one feedback will help you get to grips with the techniques demonstrated. Tom spends extended time with each individual student, giving you the opportunity to get in depth feedback on your work. 

"If you're looking to level up your observation skills, and see colour like you've never seen before, Tom has the eye and the knowledge to get you there." - Liam (@xeladoesart)

This workshop is suitable for all levels.

Who is the tutor?
Tom Van de Wouwer is an artist born in Kapellen, Belgium. He has exhibited his work in Belgium, U.K. and the U.S.A. and his work is collected internationally.  His work has largely focused on people and portraits, and more recently has evolved to explore the human condition through a contemporary painter’s visual and historical language. Click here for his website.

How many students will there be?
There is a maximum of 12 participants and the tutor will customise the course according to your individual needs.

Materials List

• A2 size drawing paper (Canson Mi teintes coloured paper of choice and/or Strathmore 400 series)
• Soft vine charcoal
• Graphite pencils ( H - HB - B - 2B)
• Coloured pencils
• General’s white charcoal pencil or white chalk pencils
• Kneaded eraser
• White plastic eraser or mechanical eraser

Any questions?

If you have any questions, please see our frequently asked questions or contact us.