Portrait Sketch Drawing – from Linear to Tonal (Online Course)
Diana Buitrago
Tuesdays, 2 PM – 4 PM ET – please adjust for your timezones
March 24, 31, April 7, 14, 21, 28, May 5, 12, 2026 – revised
Plus over 10 hours of recorded demos. Access provided at least a week before each live class session. There is a homework assignment due the first class.
8 weeks– Tuition $515
Limit: 10 students
Take this class:
- To capture the likeness of a sitter in an efficient manner.
- To build an organized practice for drawing within a limited timeframe.
- To explore portrait drawing on a week by week, drawing by drawing basis.
- To gain experience using a broad range of drawing materials.
- If you have foundational experience drawing.
Is this class for me/ prerequisite?
- Prior experience drawing in the academic method is highly recommended.
- Prior experience blocking in a portrait is helpful.
Online tech needs:
- The class will be conducted on the Zoom platform and is a live online experience.
- Diana’s classes are recorded and made available so students can review demos and critiques after each live session for the entirety of the class.
- 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.
Diana is a very encouraging teacher who helps you wherever you are. Her videos are incredibly insightful and full of information. She explained every step of her process with great detail and thought.
-Katie
Course Description
Working from old master works, Diana will guide students through a series of portrait sketch demonstrations and assignments. Artists will refine foundational skills of creating an accurate linear block-in, form rendering, and tonal drawing. Given the abbreviated time allotted to a ‘sketch’ drawing, Diana will emphasize the importance of anatomical landmarks and structure while building a systematic approach to interpreting the relationship between light and value.
In the latter portion of the eight weeks students will be introduced to a broader range of materials including charcoal, colored pencil, and white chalk to explore the techniques of making drawings on toned paper.
Artists will submit images each week of their work for critiques. See the full outline below.
Artists will be given access to each week’s demo video at least a week before each corresponding live class session. The pre-recorded demo will provide techniques and instruction for each week’s assignment. Students will email in the assignment before the corresponding live class. During the class the instructor will provide individual critiques and lead a group discussion. Artists may also ask questions about the next week’s assignment.
Beginners to Advance artists are welcome. Instruction will be customized to all levels of experience.
Sessions 1 – 3: Linear Drawing: Block-in Fundamentals, Structure, Anatomy
Sessions 4 & 5: Light and Form: Abbreviated and High Resolution Rendering
Session 6: Portrait Sketch: Graphite on Charcoal and Graphite on Toned Paper
Session 7: Portrait Sketch: Graphite and White Chalk on Toned Paper
Session 8: Three Color Drawing: Red, Black and White Pencil on Toned Paper
