graphite Pencil Drawing Fundamentals Workshop (Portraits)

Build confidence in drawing through graphite techniques, tone, and observation in relation to portraits.

📍 Abbotsford, Vic, Australia 🗓️ Days vary 🕰️ 3hrs &10mins 🎟️ $75 AUD pp

Slow down and reconnect with the foundations of drawing in this three-hour guided graphite workshop designed to strengthen your observational skills and build confidence with tone, texture, and proportion.Perfect for beginners as well as emerging artists wanting to refine their technique, this class explores the versatility of graphite in a relaxed and supportive environment. You’ll learn how different pencil grades (HB–12B) affect your marks, how to control pressure for subtle tonal shifts, and how erasers and blending tools can be used intentionally as part of the drawing process rather than just for corrections. Through structured warm-up exercises, you’ll practise line control, build value scales from light to dark, and experiment with texture-making techniques. These foundational drills prepare you for a guided observational drawing where you’ll focus on seeing accurately — breaking subjects down into simple shapes, understanding proportion, and translating light and shadow into convincing form.

As your drawing develops, you’ll learn how to build mid-tones and contrast, refine edges, create depth, and add detail without overworking the surface. Individual guidance and feedback are provided throughout the session, helping you adjust technique, strengthen composition, and know when your artwork feels resolved.By the end of the workshop, you’ll leave with a finished or near-finished graphite drawing, a stronger understanding of tone and form, and practical skills you can continue developing at home.

All materials are provided, and no prior drawing experience is required. This workshop is suitable for teens, young adults, mature-age learners, and emerging or intermediate artists seeking to deepen their graphite drawing practice.

    • Note paper and pen.

    • A folder of professional quality artist papers including brands such as Strathmore, Fabriano, Arches & more to use during class and to take home!

    • Sharpener (to use during class only).

    • Erasers (various) and blending tools to use during class and at home.

    • Experience using various graphite pencils (to use during class only).

    • Understanding of the English language (deaf students may bring a sign language interpreter if needed - you must purchase an additional ticket for the interpreter).

    • Must be between 17 and 90 years old.

    Please note: Due to the leader of the workshop being hard of hearing (hearing aids), translators that need to speak during lecture sessions are not permitted to allow the workshop leader to communicate effectively with minimal background noise. Therefore, for any individual who cannot speak/understand English, this class is not for you.

  • Required:

    • Someone to draw (photo reference only- front or side view)

    Optional:

    • Notebook & writing materials (please note that note paper and pen will be provided, but you are more than welcome to bring your own)

    • Your own sketching supplies (please note professional-grade sketching supplies will be provided, but you are welcome to bring your own too)

    • Your own refreshments (no alcohol permitted)

    • A disability support person if needed (you must purchase an extra ticket for the support person)

    • Suitable for adults, and kids (minimum 16 years old).

    • Adult accompaniment is not required.

    • Suitable for teens, young adults, mature-age learners, and emerging or intermediate artists.

  • If you enjoyed your experience, I would truly appreciate a five-star review, as it helps support my small creative business and future workshops. If you have any concerns or feedback, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me directly before leaving a review — I’m always happy to help and ensure you have the best possible experience.

  • Customers can cancel/reschedule up to ten days before the date of the workshop. After ten days no cancellation or rescheduling is permitted and no refund will be given.