Home›Art & Drawing›How to Draw Classes›Self-Portrait: Expressing Identity Self-Portrait: Expressing Identity BOOK NOW DETAILS BOOKING & TIMETABLE VENUES TUTORS This course invites you to embark on a creative journey of self-discovery through the art of self-portraiture. Using a variety of mediums and techniques, you will explore the multifaceted nature of identity, including its layers, contradictions and transformations. Whether you are a beginner or a more experienced artist, you will learn how self-portraiture can be used as a powerful tool for self-expression, emotional exploration and artistic growth. From traditional to contemporary techniques, you will develop your technical skills and personal connection to the art form, creating self-portraits that reflect your identity and tell your story. WHY YOU'LL LOVE THIS COURSE Explore self-portraiture through drawing, painting and mixed media, to create artwork that feels uniquely personal. Explore identity, personality and self-expression through visual art Experiment with drawing, paint and mixed media techniques Develop a more personal and reflective creative practice Build confidence creating self-portraits in a supportive studio setting Learn how colour, composition and materials can communicate meaning Create artwork that reflects your own story, perspective or sense of self Gain friendly guidance and feedback from your tutor Use the course as a springboard into further portrait, drawing, painting or mixed media classes Classes Starting Soon Date Day Time (BST) Duration Tutor Venue Price Booking 13 Oct 2026 - 10 Nov 2026 Tue 18:15-20:45 5 weeks Barbara Beyer City Academy, Farringdon £225.00 Book Now 06 Dec 2026 Sun 10:30-16:30 1 day Tommy Ramsay City Academy, Farringdon £110.00 Book Now 23 Jan 2027 Sat 10:30-16:30 1 day City Academy Art Tutors City Academy, Farringdon £110.00 Book Now 07 Mar 2027 Sun 10:30-16:30 1 day City Academy Art Tutors City Academy, Farringdon £110.00 Book Now 11 May 2027 - 08 Jun 2027 Tue 18:30-21:00 5 weeks City Academy Art Tutors City Academy, Farringdon £225.00 Book Now 13 Oct 13 Oct 2026 - 10 Nov 2026 £225.00 Day:Tue Time:18:15-20:45 Duration:5 weeks Tutor: Barbara Beyer Venue: City Academy, Farringdon BOOK NOW GIFT THIS COURSE 06 Dec 06 Dec 2026 £110.00 Day:Sun Time:10:30-16:30 Duration:1 day Tutor: Tommy Ramsay Venue: City Academy, Farringdon BOOK NOW GIFT THIS COURSE 23 Jan 23 Jan 2027 £110.00 Day:Sat Time:10:30-16:30 Duration:1 day Tutor: City Academy Art Tutors Venue: City Academy, Farringdon BOOK NOW GIFT THIS COURSE 07 Mar 07 Mar 2027 £110.00 Day:Sun Time:10:30-16:30 Duration:1 day Tutor: City Academy Art Tutors Venue: City Academy, Farringdon BOOK NOW GIFT THIS COURSE 11 May 11 May 2027 - 08 Jun 2027 £225.00 Day:Tue Time:18:30-21:00 Duration:5 weeks Tutor: City Academy Art Tutors Venue: City Academy, Farringdon BOOK NOW GIFT THIS COURSE View All Classes × Select your Entry Level: -Select- Leader Follower Book Now Close Self-Portraiture Explore identity and self-expression through the creative process of self-portraiture. Drawing and Paint Work with drawing and paint to develop expressive images that capture more than physical likeness. Mixed Media Experiment with mixed media techniques, combining materials to add texture, depth and meaning to your work. Identity and Meaning Use visual choices such as colour, composition, symbol and style to communicate aspects of identity. Creative Experimentation Try traditional and experimental approaches to portrait-making, building confidence in your own artistic voice. Personal Artwork Develop a self-portrait piece that brings together your ideas, materials and creative discoveries. Course Content Breakdown 1 Introduction to Self-Portraiture Overview of the genre and its role in art history Discussing identity and intention in self-portraiture Warm-up studies from mirrors and photographs 2 Drawing the Face and Expression Facial proportions, structure, and anatomy Exploring expression through subtle shifts in form Using line and shadow to create emotion 3 Abstraction and Symbolism Working with charcoal, acrylics, inks and mixed media Techniques for layering, texturing, and mark-making Combining drawing and painting in a single artwork 4 Abstraction and Symbolism Interpreting identity through abstract form Using colour, gesture, and symbols to represent mood and narrative Creating work that blends realism with expressive elements 5 Context and Inspiration Looking at self-portraits by historical and contemporary artists Identifying techniques and themes in others’ work Discussing how artists use self-portraiture to explore gender, culture, memory, and emotion 6 Personal Narrative & Visual Language Identifying personal themes and influences Storytelling through composition, props, and environment Experimenting with found objects and personal materials 7 Developing a Final Self-Portrait Planning and refining your concept Translating sketches and studies into a cohesive artwork Balancing technique and expressive content 8 Reflection and Feedback Taking part in group critiques and one-to-one tutor feedback Reflecting on personal process and development Discussing how to continue your practice after the course Want to learn more? Take the next step in your creative journey with one of the courses below. Discover new artistic approaches, explore different art forms and continue growing your creative practice. Painting the Figure Courses Still Life Drawing & Painting Portrait Drawing Lessons Your Art Supplies City Academy's art studio has everything you need to get creative. All materials, including paper, brushes and other art supplies, will be provided. BENEFITS OF ART CLASSES Browse Courses You can filter Courses by month and tutor Month All Months Tutor All Tutors Barbara BeyerTommy RamsayCity Academy Art Tutors Date Day Time (BST) Duration Tutor Venue Price Booking 13 Oct 2026 - 10 Nov 2026 Tue 18:15-20:45 5 weeks Barbara Beyer City Academy, Farringdon £225.00 Book Now 06 Dec 2026 Sun 10:30-16:30 1 day Tommy Ramsay City Academy, Farringdon £110.00 Book Now 23 Jan 2027 Sat 10:30-16:30 1 day City Academy Art Tutors City Academy, Farringdon £110.00 Book Now 07 Mar 2027 Sun 10:30-16:30 1 day City Academy Art Tutors City Academy, Farringdon £110.00 Book Now 11 May 2027 - 08 Jun 2027 Tue 18:30-21:00 5 weeks City Academy Art Tutors City Academy, Farringdon £225.00 Book Now 13 Oct 13 Oct 2026 - 10 Nov 2026 £225.00 Day:Tue Time:18:15-20:45 Duration:5 weeks Tutor: Barbara Beyer Venue: City Academy, Farringdon BOOK NOW GIFT THIS COURSE 06 Dec 06 Dec 2026 £110.00 Day:Sun Time:10:30-16:30 Duration:1 day Tutor: Tommy Ramsay Venue: City Academy, Farringdon BOOK NOW GIFT THIS COURSE 23 Jan 23 Jan 2027 £110.00 Day:Sat Time:10:30-16:30 Duration:1 day Tutor: City Academy Art Tutors Venue: City Academy, Farringdon BOOK NOW GIFT THIS COURSE 07 Mar 07 Mar 2027 £110.00 Day:Sun Time:10:30-16:30 Duration:1 day Tutor: City Academy Art Tutors Venue: City Academy, Farringdon BOOK NOW GIFT THIS COURSE 11 May 11 May 2027 - 08 Jun 2027 £225.00 Day:Tue Time:18:30-21:00 Duration:5 weeks Tutor: City Academy Art Tutors Venue: City Academy, Farringdon BOOK NOW GIFT THIS COURSE × Select your Entry Level: -Select- Leader Follower Book Now Close ADD ME TO THE WAITING LIST If you'd like to be added to the waiting list for 'Self-Portrait: Expressing Identity' fill in the form below and we will contact you if a space becomes available. First Name * Last Name * Email * Phone Number * Payments options Cancellations Policy Our cancellation policy depends on the course you have booked. Weekly courses and one-day workshopsCancel at least 72 hours before your course starts to receive a full refund, course credit or a free transfer to another available date. Cancellations made within 72 hours will receive course credit instead. Intensive courses of five consecutive days or moreCancel at least 7 days before your course starts to receive a full refund, course credit or a free transfer. Cancellations made with less than 7 days’ notice will usually receive course credit instead. We are unable to offer refunds for missed classes or non-attendance. View terms and conditions Book 2 courses at the same time for 10% Off* Copy code to clipboard Book 3 or more courses for get 20% Off* Copy code to clipboard *Please note 2ORMORE & 3ORMORE - this offer cannot be redeemed against our One year, 3 Month Courses , Private tuition, Tasters, or Resident Companies i.e. Choirs, Musical Theatre or Dance companies. It cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. City Academy, Farringdon City Academy, Farringdon Closest Station: Farringdon Closest Bus Stop: Hatton Garden View Details Get Directions Barbara Beyer View Profile Tommy Ramsay View Profile City Academy Art Tutors View Profile
