Expressive Portraits in Charcoal - Studio In Person Workshop
This one-day workshop will be held in my Studio in Northumberland.
Dates - Saturday 19th September 2026
Time - 10 am to 4 pm
Location - The Old Bath House Studio, Broomhill, Northumberland
Skill Level - Any skill level
Workshop Details
In this one-day workshop, we will be working from reference images to create portraits in charcoal. Starting with the foundations of creating portraits - proportion, light and shadow, creating three-dimensional forms- we will then move to drawing more expressively with gesture, markmaking and exploring more freedom in our drawings. We will complete the day with a finished drawing that responds to the photograph, imbued with our own energy and expression.
The workshop will combine demonstrations, quick exercises to develop energy and expression in our drawing studies, and time for a more considered finished drawing. There will be plenty of support and one-to-one guidance from Gillian.
What will I learn?
Examples of the ways artists use charcoal in portraiture
An introduction to proportion and creating three-dimensional forms
Drawing shapes and shadows rather than the details of features
Expressive mark-making and line
Quick exercises to free you up
Working with gesture and layers to build up an expressive portrait in charcoal
You will end the day with several studies and one more considered drawing.
Materials
All materials are provided
Cost - £100 for the day's workshop including materials and refreshments. Please bring your own lunch.
Terms and Conditions
Clothing
This is a working studio, so please wear old clothing and/or bring an overshirt or apron.
Refreshments
Refreshments will be provided. Please bring your own lunch. There is a microwave and kettle in the studio should you wish to heat anything up.
Seating
My studio has stools which can be used when working. However, if you wish for a more comfortable seat during break times, please bring a camp chair!
Materials
All materials are provided unless otherwise stated in the workshop description.
Other Info
Gillian will send a reminder email one week prior to the workshop date with studio directions and any other info. Please make sure your email address is correct when booking the workshop.
Cancellations
Places for this workshop are very limited.
Student cancellations up until 14 days prior to the workshop date will be fully refunded if your place can be filled by another participant. In the event your place can not be filled, your fee will act as credit towards a future workshop.
For any cancellations less than 14 days prior to the workshop, your booking may be transferred to a future workshop.
In the event a workshop needs to be cancelled by Gillian Lee Smith due to illness or unforeseen events, you will have the choice of either
To receive a full refund
Or your booking to be transferred to a future workshop