Reflective Art Practice: Drawing, Painting, Mixed Media and Art History: Exploring Portraiture

We very much look forward to welcoming both new and returning students to the University of Southampton. 

Unless otherwise stated, this Reflective Art in Practice course will be taught in person at our Highfield Campus, Building 34. Please click here to view a map of the Campus.

Our courses include a half-term break. Please see our Book a course page for term dates, including half-term and seasonal holiday dates.

Reflective Art in Practice: Exploring Portraiture

We will examine attitudes to the portrait, which change to reflect society and art historical developments. Practical exercises will be undertaken in class using drawing materials, paint and collage with personal references as a starting point.

This module combines lectures, a seminar component (discussions and analysis of artworks) and a workshop element. The latter (one and a half hour per two hour session) will explore various artistic styles and practical techniques in drawing, painting and mixed media. 

This 8-week course will take place on Tuesday evenings from 7pm to 9pm starting on 5th January 2027 and finishing on 2nd March 2027. Please note there will be no class during half-term week on Tuesday 16th February 2027.

Please see our price list below:

• Standard price - £145.00
• Staff/student/alumni price - £125.00

Please note: if you select the staff/student/alumni price option, you must use an online store account that has been set up with your University email address and fill out your University staff, student or alumni ID number when prompted as part of the questionnaire data section.

When booking a course please consult our Terms and Conditions which set out our cancellation and refund policy.

Payment using the Online Store can only be completed via Visa and Mastercard Credit/Debit Card or PayPal.  AMEX is not accepted. If you have not previously created an account for the Online Store, you will need to create an account to make a booking.

For further details about this course, please click on Read More below.

Course Description

 

Reflective Art in Practice: Exploring Portraiture

A practical art course which will help develop analytical and creative skills by reflecting on major art movements. The module will comprise one unit.

Week 1. Part 1- Introduction: the Nature of Portraiture

• Leonardo da Vinci

• Titian

• Albrecht Durer

Part 2 – Drawing skills: pencil

Week 2. Dutch Portraits

Part 1 – Looking at light

• Rembrandt

• Vermeer

• Frans Hals

Part 2- Workshop: Charcoal and white pastel

Week 3. Society Portraits

Part 1 – Realism

* Gainsborough

• Van Dyke

• Reynolds

Part 2 – Workshop: Pastel

Week 4. Impressionism

Part 1 – Colour and meaning

• Manet

• Monet

• Singer Sargeant

Part 2 – Workshop: Watercolour

Week 5. Expressionism

Part 1 – Painting emotions

• Van Gogh

• Gaugin

• Munch

Part 2 – Workshop: Acrylic

Week 6. Decadence in Society

Part 1 – Line and pattern

• Gustav Klimt

• Egon Schiele

• Chuck Close

• Part 2 – Workshop: Collage and mixed media

Week 7. Artists and sitters

Part 1 – Truth to vision

• Lucian Freud

• Frank Auerbach

• Jenny Saville

Part 2 – Workshop: Acrylic

Week 8. Contemporary Art and Portraiture

Part 1 – Mixed Messages

• Gary Hume

• Lynette Yiadom - Boakye

* Cindy Sherman

Part 2 – Workshop: Mixed media