This course invites you to embark on a creative journey of self-discovery through the art of self-portraiture. By using a variety of mediums and techniques, you will explore the multifaceted nature of identity—its layers, contradictions, and transformations. Whether you are a beginner or a more experienced artist, this course will guide you through exploring the self-portrait as a powerful tool for self-expression, emotional exploration, and artistic growth. From traditional to contemporary techniques, you will develop both your technical skills and personal connection to the art form, resulting in self-portraits that reflect your identity and tell your story.
What You’ll Learn
In this Self-Portrait art course you will cover:
- Traditional and contemporary approaches to self-portraiture
- How to work across a range of mediums, including drawing, painting, mixed media and collage
- Techniques for translating personal identity, emotion, and narrative into visual form
- Insight into the historical and cultural significance of self-portraiture
- How to analyse and draw inspiration from artists who use self-portraiture to express deeper messages
- Strategies for developing your personal style and creative voice
- Skills for combining technical proficiency with emotional and conceptual depth
- How to create a cohesive collection of self-portraits that reflect your growth and perspective
CLASSES STARTING SOON
| DATE | DAY | TIME (BST) | DURATION | TUTOR | VENUE | PRICE | BOOKING | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20 Sep 2025 | Sat | 10:30-16:30 | 1 day | City Academy Art Tutors | City Academy, Farringdon | £110.00 | Book Now Click the gift icon to gift this course | Book Now Gift this courseClick the gift icon to gift this course |
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| 10 Nov 2025 - 8 Dec 2025 | Mon | 18:15-20:45 | 5 weeks | City Academy Art Tutors | City Academy, Farringdon | £225.00 | Book NowClick the gift icon to gift this course | Book Now Gift this courseClick the gift icon to gift this course |
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| 24 Jan 2026 | Sat | 10:30-16:30 | 1 day | City Academy Art Tutors | City Academy, Farringdon | £110.00 | Book NowClick the gift icon to gift this course | Book Now Gift this courseClick the gift icon to gift this course |
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Benefits of Taking This Course
This course offers a powerful opportunity to deepen your understanding of both art and self. You’ll explore your personal identity through the rich tradition of self-portraiture, gaining the confidence to express complex emotions, experiences, and perspectives through visual form. With personalised guidance in a supportive environment, you’ll be encouraged to experiment with a range of materials and methods, allowing you to discover your voice and push your creative boundaries. The course nurtures both technical development and emotional insight, helping you to grow not just as an artist, but as an individual. By the end, you’ll have created a body of expressive, meaningful work that reflects your evolving artistic identity.
Course Content Breakdown: Techniques and Focus Areas
- Overview of the genre and its role in art history
- Discussing identity and intention in self-portraiture
- Warm-up studies from mirrors and photographs
- Facial proportions, structure, and anatomy
- Exploring expression through subtle shifts in form
- Using line and shadow to create emotion
- Working with charcoal, acrylics, inks and mixed media
- Techniques for layering, texturing, and mark-making
- Combining drawing and painting in a single artwork
- Interpreting identity through abstract form
- Using colour, gesture, and symbols to represent mood and narrative
- Creating work that blends realism with expressive elements
- 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
- Identifying personal themes and influences
- Storytelling through composition, props, and environment
- Experimenting with found objects and personal materials
- Planning and refining your concept
- Translating sketches and studies into a cohesive artwork
- Balancing technique and expressive content
- 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
City Academy's art studio has everything you need to get creative.
All materials, including paper, brushes and other art supplies, will be provided.
| DATE | DAY | TIME (BST) | DURATION | TUTOR | VENUE | PRICE | BOOKING | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20 Sep 2025 | Sat | 10:30-16:30 | 1 day | City Academy Art Tutors | City Academy, Farringdon | £110.00 | Book NowClick the gift icon to gift this course | Book Now Gift this courseClick the gift icon to gift this course |
|
| 10 Nov 2025 - 8 Dec 2025 | Mon | 18:15-20:45 | 5 weeks | City Academy Art Tutors | City Academy, Farringdon | £225.00 | Book NowClick the gift icon to gift this course | Book Now Gift this courseClick the gift icon to gift this course |
|
| 24 Jan 2026 | Sat | 10:30-16:30 | 1 day | City Academy Art Tutors | City Academy, Farringdon | £110.00 | Book NowClick the gift icon to gift this course | Book Now Gift this courseClick the gift icon to gift this course |
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Select your Entry Level:
| DATE | DAY | TIME (BST) | DURATION | TUTOR | VENUE | PRICE | BOOKING | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20 Sep 2025 | Sat | 10:30-16:30 | 1 day | City Academy Art Tutors | City Academy, Farringdon | £110.00 | Book NowClick the gift icon to gift this course | Book Now Gift this courseClick the gift icon to gift this course |
|
| 10 Nov 2025 - 8 Dec 2025 | Mon | 18:15-20:45 | 5 weeks | City Academy Art Tutors | City Academy, Farringdon | £225.00 | Book NowClick the gift icon to gift this course | Book Now Gift this courseClick the gift icon to gift this course |
|
| 24 Jan 2026 | Sat | 10:30-16:30 | 1 day | City Academy Art Tutors | City Academy, Farringdon | £110.00 | Book NowClick the gift icon to gift this course | Book Now Gift this courseClick the gift icon to gift this course |
|
Select your Entry Level:
All City Academy tutors are experienced professionals from theatre, film/TV and performance industries. So whilst they're training you they may also be rehearsing for a West End show or working on a movie. We like that and we do believe it makes a difference in class.
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