Beginners' Charcoal Portraiture Class

Learn to create dramatic portraits using charcoal as a beginner!


Ann Mackowski
Ann Mackowski
4.9 (46)
Instagram followers 3k followers

1.5 hours Class size 1 to 2 guests       £68 (PayPal Pay in 3 available)

Join us for a hands-on workshop perfect for beginners! Learn the art of capturing light and shadow to create stunning portraits. No experience necessary, just bring your creativity and enthusiasm! Don't miss out on this unique opportunity to explore the beauty of chiaroscuro portraiture.
Taught by award-winning artist Ann Mackowski, who is the founder of Soho Life Drawing, this class will introduce you to the basics of portraiture and how to use charcoal to create captivating interplays of light and shadow. Whether you are an aspiring artist or have never picked up a pencil before, Ann’s expert guidance will help you master the fundamental techniques of charcoal drawing while nurturing your unique creative voice. You will learn how to capture the essence of your subjects, bringing their features to life through dramatic contrasts.
All materials are provided, so you can dive into hands-on practise with personalised feedback from Ann, who is passionate about empowering each student to reach their full artistic potential. Through interactive demonstrations and step-by-step instruction, you will discover the secrets behind achieving depth, dimension, and expression in your portrait work.
Ann will be providing references, but if you'd like to bring your own portrait reference or use a selfie you're more than welcome to! Ann will give you some tips on choosing a suitable reference for the style.
By the end of the course, you will leave with not only your own stunning charcoal portraits but also a newfound confidence in your artistic abilities. Sign up today and transform your vision onto paper under the guidance of an artist who truly cares about your growth!
What you'll get
Charcoal, paper, clipboards, dry media, and access to online videos for review.
Knowledge required
None!
What to bring
Just themselves--and, if there's someone in particular you'd like to draw--a photo of them!
Suitable for

Suitable for adults, and kids (minimum 8 years old).

An adult must accompany any attending kids, and must pay for a separate ticket.

This experience would also be a fun gift for her, gift for mum or gift for couples.

Location

Westminster Quaker Meeting House - "Rustin Room" 8 Hop Gardens, London, WC2N 4EH, England

We're between Gymbox and Cote Brasserie off of St. Martins' Lane

Beginners' Charcoal Portraiture Class location
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Your teacher

Ann Mackowski
Ann Mackowski

4.9 (46)
Instagram followers 3k followers
female Women-owned

I started Soho Life Drawing in 2018 after working professionally as an artist for several years when I realised that there was a lack of accessible and affordable creative outlets for non-artist adults in London. Since then I've run hundreds of classes both at my weekly drop-in class in Leicester Square; for corporations and animation studios including Buzzfeed, Liberty London, and Sharkmob; and universities such as the University of the Arts London. Privately, I teach professional artists who come to me for technical training.
As an artist, I've been exhibited internationally in both solo and group shows and have won several residencies--the most recent being Espronceda's 2020 Open Call. I was a shortlisted contestant on 2016's Sky Landscape Artist of the Year. I exhibit regularly with the Royal Society of Painters in Watercolours on Pall Mall, as well as with the Society of Women Artists. While I've focussed on teaching in recent years, I still do some commissioned work and exhibit with galleries representing me. I have a Masters in Fine Art from Chelsea College of Art and Design.
I love teaching art because I believe anyone can do it with the right training! In particular, I'm passionate about breaking down the internal barriers people not trained in art have about being creative. Creativity is important for so many reasons, beyond the finished product, and it's my goal to make my classes both extremely accessible and very affordable so that people from all walks of life have a chance to join.

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2026-07-03 15:00:00
class 1E57MXLBSX b30fa37a8c654059964d2a78c24cea95 production london London London GB london