Block-in: Portrait Drawing II 2D → 2D(Online Course)
Angela Cunningham
Saturdays 10 AM – 2 PM ET – please adjust for your time zone
April 18, 25, May 2, 9, 16 (no class May 23), 30, June 6, 13, 2026
8 weeks – Tuition: $515
Limit: approx. 10 students
Take this class:
- If you’ve completed Portrait Block-in I.
- To refine a complete strategy for making a detailed portrait drawing.
- To refine skills and sensitivity to form, gesture, and expression.
- If you’re interested in closely adhering to the pace and curriculum of the GCA Core Program.
Is this class for me?
- The Portrait Block-in I is a pre-requisite for this class. No exceptions.
- This class is good for students looking to build upon their foundations of portrait drawing.
Class Format Notes:
- The class will be conducted on the Zoom platform and is a live online experience.
- This class also uses Google Classroom to distribute materials. Watch this video for more insight.
Both of these services are free but require registration. - It will be necessary for students to have access to a computer, tablet or smartphone. The recommended device is a laptop or desktop.
- Every online class is recorded.
- Critiques are only given during the live class time.
- Students work on their weekly assignment outside of class time.
- Attendance at every live class isn’t mandatory.
- Absentee students can still submit their work at least 15 minutes before the live class starts and the instructor will critique the work during the class. The critique will then be viewable in the recording.
- Students receive access to the class recording within 24 hours of the class finishing. The recording gets posted into the google classroom.
- Access to the recordings is available for the duration of the class plus an additional 30 days. There are no extensions.
“Angela is incredibly helpful. She always explains the lesson and answers every question. You can tell she cares about her students with how much time she puts into critiques. By learning to be more accurate with where things actually go, I was able to put the pencil to paper without being afraid to erase and make corrections.” – Brittainy
Course Description
This course is building upon the foundations established in The Portrait Block-In. Students will refine their skills and sensitivity to form, gesture, and expression—moving beyond simple contour into the realm where accuracy meets artistry.
Through continued application of GCA’s methodology introduced in Portrait Block-in I, artists will learn to bring the portrait to life — from the first searching lines that establish rhythm and proportion to the nuanced refinement of shape, volume, and line quality. Each drawing will become a study in observation and patience, revealing how subtle adjustments can capture likeness.
Students are encouraged to follow a process used in GCA’s studios when working with the model: a 4-hour work session in intervals of 20 minutes punctuated by 5 minute breaks. This practice will help cultivate discipline and prepare students for working from life. Over eight weeks, artists will aim to complete three fully realized portrait block-ins, each one marking a deeper understanding of accuracy and the quiet balance between realism and expression.
Each week, Angela will demonstrate and provide individual critiques and guidance to help each student strengthen their approach. Students should plan to work alongside the instructor during class demos and then devote an additional 4+ hours each week on their drawings.