Published Class Name: Portraits in Charcoal
Instructor ‘s Name: Laura Milkins
Class Registration by Instructor’s Email: lmilkins@gmail.com
Medium: Charcoal
Student Experience Level: Beginner/Intermediate (some experience with charcoal is recommended)
Dates of Class Session: March 12, 19, 26 and April 2, 2026
Time and Day of the Week: 9:00 to 12pm on Thursdays
How Many Weeks in Class Session: 4
Maximum Number of Students: 15
Total Cost for Teacher: $100 to teacher at first class.
Club members $25.00 annual membership, non members additional $40.00.
Registration open now. Email instructor to register.
Class Description: In this class you will learn different techniques and approaches to drawing portraits with charcoal. Portraits are probably the most intimidating subject for beginning students, but in this class I take the mystery and challenge out of portrait drawing. Step-by-step I’ll walk you through drawing portraits with charcoal, making it fun and far less scary. The goal is to capture both the feeling and form of portrait painting. We’ll cover the basics of working with charcoal, sketching, proportions and a bit of art history.
Each week we’ll work on a different image. We’ll start by looking at inspiring images from art history that demonstrate the techniques. Then I’ll demonstrate that week’s techniques and then you’ll try them out. This class is great for beginners/intermediate, but I’ll work with more advanced students to help you hone your skills.
Supply List: (I’m flexible on materials/brands as long as you have the basics)
● Papers ○ 18″x24″ 80lbs or heavier drawing/sketch pad
○ 9”x12” 64lbs or heavier charcoal pad
● Media ○ kneaded eraser (Faber-Castell is good)
○ plastic eraser (Staedtler and Pentel are good, I like the retractable ones they work like a pencil)
○ pencil sharpener w/ canister
○ soft vine charcoal box of 12 (or more)
○ graphite pencil for sketching 2B or No. 2
○ 1 white & 3 black charcoal pencil 2B, 4B and 6B (General’s has them in sets)
● Additional Recommended Optional ○ WetWipes/Baby Wipes
○ Black conte crayon
○ Xacto knife (for sharpening the pencils)
○ small sketch pad (5″x8″ up to 11”x14”)
○ Table covering
