Ashleigh: An online portrait drawing session

In this session, you’ll learn how to build an expressive, abstract likeness by focusing on values rather than colour. Lizet will guide you through blocking in the structure of the portrait using wedge-shaped charcoal, helping you see the big shadow and light shapes before getting into details.

Once the main structure is in place, you’ll learn how to layer soft pastels to develop halftones and highlights. Expect to work with the side of the stick, use whole-arm movements, and rely on layered gradations instead of blending everything out. You’ll also see how to keep Ashleigh’s hair loose and atmospheric while still placing crisp highlights on the key facial planes.

If you’d like to, you can add a simple hand to the portrait using the same dark–midtone–highlight method Lizet demonstrates. She’ll also show you how to correct shapes with charcoal, use pastel pencils only when necessary for small refinements, and keep your workspace safe and ventilated (pastels can get messy!).

Materials You’ll Be Using

• Brown toned paper

• Wedge-shaped charcoal

• Soft pastels in skin tones

• Hot pink pastel

• Burnt sienna pastel

• Light pink or light yellow pastel 

• Midtone beige/orange pastel 

• Optional pastel pencils for fine adjustments

This session mimics the structure of a traditional life drawing class. You will see one or more photographs to draw or paint from. Tutor Lizet Dingemans will be doing an online demonstration next to the video and will be giving hints and tips in the live chat.

Once you have registered, you will be sent a link to a private web page where you will be able to access the live stream at the date and time of broadcast. You will also have access to the video for 30 days after the session, and will be able to download the photographs used in the session so you can continue to work in your own time.

If you're planning on watching more than one session a month then you will save money with a subscription. If you already have a Raw Umber Subscription then you can access this session from your account.