Donna Trim – 2 Day Portrait Drawing Workshop in Charcoal from a Live Model

Venue: Coughton Court
Cost: £180
Timing: 10.30am – 3.30pm
Date: 23 May to 24 May 2026

A Two-Day Immersive Introduction to Portrait Drawing in Charcoal at Coughton Court – Alcester, Warwickshire. B49 5JA

Learn to draw a realistic portrait of the human face from a photograph.
This two-day portrait workshop is an immersive experience to teach beginners and improvers how to create a convincing likeness using willow charcoal.

Day one
Using photographs, you will learn how to: –
• Build a drawing plan using your observation skills to measure proportions and create an accurate line drawing of the head and facial features.
• How to use broad areas of tonal value to add depth to your drawing and apply that process to your portrait.
• How to create a range of marks using charcoal with different implements and techniques.
• How to refine your portrait and keep that likeness.
Day two
During the second day you will work from a live model and learn how to:
• Use the techniques and processes from ‘day one’ in a live studio environment.
• Practice your planning and comparative measuring skills.
• Complete a refined, full tonal portrait of the model.

Donna will be on hand to support you throughout both days.

Who is this workshop for:
• Complete beginners to portrait drawing.
• Those who want to improve their current drawing ability to achieve a better likeness.
• Those who have never used charcoal.
What’s included:
• All drawing materials and tuition throughout both days.
• Drawing boards to work on. Feel free to bring a travel easel along if you have one.
What you need to bring:
• An apron, or clothes that you don’t mind getting charcoal on.
• A packed lunch or use the onsite café.
• A camera or camera phone to take shots of your progress and to photograph the model for reference.

Your tutor:
“Everything begins with drawing”.
Donna Trim is a local Fine Artist and tutor who has been teaching drawing and painting for over 25 years. She is passionate about the benefits of drawing, particularly from life, to improve all aspects of one’s art practice. Her workshops are accessible to all, relaxed, friendly, supportive and always delivered with a great sense of humour.