The Best Online Portrait Drawing Courses to Enhance Your Skills

Portrait drawing is a timeless art form that can elevate your artistic abilities while providing a meditative and rewarding experience. With the rise of online education, there are numerous courses available that can help you master the art of portrait drawing. This article will guide you through some of the best online portrait drawing courses, perfect for both beginners and experienced artists alike.

Featured Courses for Portrait Drawing

Here are some highly rated online portrait drawing courses worth considering:

Proko - Portrait Drawing Fundamentals: Comprehensive lessons on proportions, lighting, and shading by a master artist. This course is ideal for those looking to build a strong foundation in portrait drawing. New Masters Academy - Portrait Sculpting: In-depth instruction on form, planes, and values using plaster casts. This course is perfect for those who want to explore the sculptural aspects of portrait drawing. Createful - Drawing the Portrait from Scratch: Step-by-step videos guiding you through an entire portrait. This course is perfect for those who prefer a more hands-on, comprehensive approach. Drawspace - Intro to Drawing the Portrait: An excellent beginner course teaching head and facial feature construction. This course is a great starting point for newcomers to portrait drawing. Skillshare - Portrait Drawing for Beginners: Approachable video lessons breaking down techniques. This course is suitable for those who find visual learning particularly effective. Udemy - Complete Portrait Drawing Course: Instructor Christopher Hart shares his methods over 12 hours of content. This course is comprehensive and provides extensive practice opportunities. Craftsy - Portrait Drawing Mastery: Renowned artist David Leffel leads workshops on advanced realism. This course is perfect for those looking to refine their skills and achieve a more realistic outcome. Westminster - Online Portrait Drawing: Lessons from a top UK art school with model demonstrations. This course offers a structured and professional learning experience.

Key Features to Look for in Online Portrait Drawing Courses

When selecting an online portrait drawing course, look for the following key features:

Rave Reviews: Positive reviews from satisfied students can give you confidence that the course is worth your time and money. Large Class Sizes: Larger class sizes often indicate a more established and reputable platform with a proven track record. Experienced Instructors: Courses taught by seasoned artists with a wealth of experience can provide valuable insights and feedback. Lifetime Access: Courses that offer lifetime access allow you to revisit lessons at your convenience and continue learning. Assignments and Feedback: The ability to submit assignments and receive personalized feedback can significantly enhance your learning experience. Community Support: Engaging with a community of fellow learners can provide motivation and additional support throughout your learning journey.

Additional Free Online Portrait Drawing Courses

For those looking to start their journey without an immediate financial investment, here are some free online portrait drawing courses:

Fundamentals of Portrait Drawing with Pencil: A course by Matt Smith that covers the essential techniques for portrait drawing with pencils. Figure Drawing: The Human Head: A course by Zursoif that focuses on understanding the structure and proportions of the human head. Realistic Oil Portraits: Conveying Detail and Expression: A course by Alan Coulson that teaches advanced techniques for creating realistic oil portraits. Realistic Chalk Pastel Portraits: A course by Maximiliano Bagnasco that explores the use of chalk pastel to create detailed and expressive portraits. Realistic Portrait with Colored Pencils: A course by Néstor Canavarro that delves into the use of colored pencils for portrait drawing.

Building Confidence in Your Artistic Expression

One of the key elements of portrait drawing is the ability to commit to a line decisively. When you are unsure about the moment the camera will cut, you are more likely to make bold and impactful choices in your drawing. This approach can help you build confidence in your artistic expression and refine your skills over time.

Whether you are a complete beginner or looking to enhance your existing skills, there is a portrait drawing course out there that can help you achieve your artistic goals. By investing time and effort into these courses, you can develop a deeper understanding of proportions, lighting, and shading, ultimately leading to more skilled and confident portraits.