About this Event
BOLD PORTRAITS: Expressive Chalk Pastel Portraiture
A one-day workshop exploring bold colour and raw energy in portrait drawing
Discover the expressive power of chalk pastels in this energetic one-day portrait workshop.
Working from a live model, you'll explore bold colour, raw mark-making, and capturing character using chalk pastels. This vibrant, immediate medium perfect for expressive portraiture. Inspired by Scottish artists John Byrne and Joan Eardley, you'll learn to create portraits that pulse with life and personality rather than photographic accuracy.
No experience necessary – this workshop welcomes complete beginners alongside more experienced artists. We'll cover the fundamentals of portraiture (proportions, features, structure) while emphasizing freedom, spontaneity, and bold creative choices.
What you'll learn:
Basic portrait proportions and structure
Working with chalk pastels (blending, layering, mark-making)
Capturing character, energy, and essence
Loose, confident mark-making inspired by Eardley's raw energy
Using bold, expressive and theatrical colour inspired by Byrne's vivid palette
What you'll create:
Multiple quick portrait studies throughout the day
One developed portrait to take home
Event venue & nearby stays
Birchwood Art Studio, Ashley House, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
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