Portrait Painting Class for Beginners

Try this art class in London to learn how to paint portraits.



6 hours Class size 1 to 20 guests       £110

Begin your artistic journey here in this painting class as you learn one of the fundamental art styles: portraits!
Over a six-hour, hands-on class, you will explore different stages of making a portrait and expand your skills so you can better capture the beauty and intricacies of the human face. We aim to make this a fun and informative learning experience that will help you unwind as you pick up some new skills.
You'll learn art skills and techniques from a talented local artist in a relaxed and welcoming environment. There will be models for you to set up and paint, and you'll have all sorts of art supplies ready for you to experiment with, including plumb lines which you will learn how to use.
This art class covers facial structure, proportions, colour theory, and more that will help you find a person's likeness and distinct features. Working with pencils, charcoal, pastels, and water-mixable oil paints, you will work through different stages of a portrait, learning new drawing and painting techniques as you understand 'wet on wet' painting, how to blend and blur edges, and add highlights to bring your painting to life.
By the end of this class, you will have worked on one long pose as your final portrait and be much more comfortable using different equipment for more art projects.
Age Requirement: 18+

Upcoming dates for Portrait Painting Class for Beginners

Times are London time. Dates and prices as of 5 Oct 2026, 7:30am; availability and price are confirmed live when booking on this page.

2 upcoming dates between 24 Oct 2026 and 19 Dec 2026.

  • Sat 24 Oct 2026, 10:30am-4:30pm
  • Sat 19 Dec 2026, 10:30am-4:30pm
What you'll get
All materials you need to make your own artwork to take home.
Knowledge required
Beginner-friendly.
Location

City Academy - London, WC2H 7JB, England

Portrait Painting Class for Beginners location
Verified reviews


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Recent reviews of Portrait Painting Class for Beginners

  • 5/5 from Michael Reddaway, attended Jan 2025: Really great experience! We learned facial proportions and colour mixing then spent the afternoon painting one of two models. The teacher was really knowledgeable and helpful and offered tips when needed. The models were both excellent and very friendly. I have never painted with oils before and I have come away with a pretty decent portrait and the confidence to pick them up on my own. Would definitely recommend!
  • 5/5 from Matt Marsh, attended Nov 2024: Good fun. Good teaching. Very rewarding experience
Your teacher

City Academy
City Academy

4.7 (43)
Instagram followers 13k followers

Explore your creativity with City Academy. Whatever skill you're looking to learn from photography to drawing or writing, you can learn it with us and find a creative outlet you love. Have fun, build confidence and create a community of like-minded creatives. You'll learn from top industry experts from London's leading academy in creative and performing arts.

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