Striking Greys
a charcoal portrait class
In this 2 hour online class we’re going to draw an expressive charcoal portrait of a bearded elderly man, working in beautiful grey tones to create depth and interest.
In the videos you can follow exactly how this portrait was made, layer after layer, from start to finish. I’ll explain all about the materials I used and show you a very easy method to get the right proportions and measurements for your portrait. And last but not least, you will learn how to create those beautiful lines and wrinkles in the face, as well as his fantastic hair and beard!
Originally recorded for Let’s Face It 2022, I am excited to share this class with you now!
You can download all videos and course materials, to keep forever. And since this is a self-study class, you get instant access so you can start whenever you like.
Click the button below to sign up now, or continue reading for all details and practical info.
Drawing makes you see things clearer, and clearer, and clearer still. MARTIN GAYFORD
Charcoal is a fantastic drawing medium because it’s so versatile! You can easily create the structure, depth and 3D look of the face, working in layers and a range of tonal values. And since it’s so intuitive and easy to use, it’s great for both beginners and advanced artists.
This particular portrait that we’re going to create is in a three-quarter direction, which means that the face is slightly turned and there is some perspective involved. This can be a challenge if you’re not experienced in drawing faces, but in this class you’ll learn a very easy yet effective method to get the proportions right and create his intense facial expression.
And of course, his striking hair and beard are a major focal point in this portrait! In this class you’ll learn exactly how to create it, working in a loose and expressive style. I’ll also show you how I work with dark and light values to create the overall portrait, how to draw those characteristic lines and wrinkles of his face, and how I keep my style loose and expressive.
A drawing is simply a line going for a walk. PAUL KLEE
What will you learn?
In this class you can follow the complete drawing process from start to finish. First I’ll discuss the supplies that we’ll use for this lesson. And then I’ll show you how I create this portrait, the techniques that I use to draw the face, wrinkles, hair and beard, and how to work in this loose and expressive drawing style. That way you can use it in any type of work that you want to create in the future.
Some of the things that we’ll cover:
- Drawing the hair and beard
- Drawing wrinkles and lines in an elderly face
- How to create the right proportions and measurements for a three-quarter face
- Working in a loose and sketchy style, using multiple light lines
- Building up the drawing slowly, in layers
- How to create texture and movement to add to the interest and character of the portrait
- Working with various charcoal supplies
- Creating highlights
- Working with various erasers for different purposes
- How to store and protect your charcoal drawings
What will you receive
Frequently Asked Questions
I’ve never taken an online course. How does it work?
If this is the first time you sign up for any of my courses, you will create an account during the registration process. You can access the private website of the course with the email address that you signed up with and the password that you chose for your account.
The lessons are taught in video format. You can watch me work and hear me explain what I do and why I do it. This means that you can follow exactly what I do, and if you want you can go back and watch certain parts again if you missed anything or something was unclear.
Since this is a self-study course, you get immediate access to all the videos and course materials. These will all be provided on the course website. You can watch the lessons online, and/or download all videos and coure materials so you can keep them forever and access them whenever and wherever you like.
Besides the course website you will also get access to a private Facebook group for this course. Some courses have dedicated groups, other courses get access to my general Facebook group. The Facebook groups are a fun and safe place to post your work, ask questions, and meet new friends.
Lifetime access, what does that mean in practice?
You get lifetime access to the course. In practice this means that the course website (including all videos and course materials) will remain accessible to you for as long as this course is being offered for sale. If this course at some point in the future isn’t going to be offered for sale anymore, you will have 6 months to download all videos and course materials if you want to keep them forever.
Can I download the videos and other course materials?
Yes, you can download all the videos and other materials of this course.
Is there a dedicated Facebook group for this course?
There is no dedicated Facebook group for this course, but you are welcome to join my Facebook group Juna Biagioni’s Art Atelier. It’s a great place to ask questions, share your work, and meet new art friends.
Can I get feedback from you on my work?
Self-study classes don’t include feedback on individual work. However, I am frequently available in the Facebook group if you have questions about supplies or other course related topics.
I am not very experienced in art. Can I sign up?
Yes, certainly! It’s no problem if you have no previous experience with the supplies and techniques that we’ll use in this course. All techniques will be explained and shown in the videos.
However, this is a short class. If you would like to get a more in-depth approach to portrait drawing, learning about fundamental concepts like tonal values, and working with a variety of supplies and techniques, then I recommend taking the course Drawing in the Soul.
I feel a bit insecure about my art and not ready to show it to others. Can I participate without joining the Facebook group?
Yes, you can definitely participate without joining the Facebook group.
However, you can also join the Facebook without having to post your work if you don’t want to. The group is private and provides a safe environment for all participants of every level. It’s also a place where you can get support, ask questions, and meet new friends.
I don't have a Facebook account. Do I need one for this course?
No, you don’t need a Facebook account in order to take this course. The course website is a dedicated website that you get access to after you sign up for the course. The Facebook group is optional.
However, if you do want to join the Facebook group but don’t have a Facebook account (yet), you can also consider creating a Facebook account just for this course alone.
I have never worked with charcoal before. Can I sign up?
Yes! It’s no problem if you have no previous experience with charcoal. All techniques will be explained and shown in the videos.
However, this is a short class. If you would like to get a more in-depth, foundational approach to working with charcoal and learn a host of different techniques, then I recommend taking the course The Many Faces of Charcoal.
Do you work with a reference photo in this course?
Yes, we will be working with a reference photo in this course. It will be available for download from the course website.
Can I get a refund after purchasing this course?
Due to the downloadable nature of this course, no refunds are given after purchasing this course.
Can I give this course as a gift?
Certainly! Just contact me here so we can set it up.
How can I contact you?
You can contact me via this link.
Practical Info
Click here to read the practical information before purchasing this course
Access to the course
Once you have purchased your course, you return to a confirmation page with an overview of your registered courses. When you click on a course you should be already logged-in to the course site and have immediate access to the classroom.
If at any time you need to login to the site, you will need your username (the email address that you used to sign up for the course) and the password which you chose when you signed up. With your username and password you can always access your courses by clicking on ‘Login’ at the top of this website.
Practical requirements
This course will be presented online, so you need a web browser. I recommend Chrome or Firefox. Make sure your browser is updated to the latest version.
You will get the best results if you use a laptop or computer. You can use smaller devices (like a tablet) as well, but then the layout may change slightly.
If you want to download the videos, you need space on the hard drive of your computer, or an external storage like an external hard drive or a USB stick.
Other requirements:
- A high-speed internet connection to be able to download the videos or watch them online.
- A basic understanding of IT, like reading emails, watching videos online, reading PDF documents, and navigating websites like Facebook. If you’re having trouble with some IT related stuff some help can be given, but in-depth IT guidance cannot be given.