Get creative, slow down, and make something with your hands.

Self-Portrait: Expressing Identity

Self-Portrait: Expressing Identity

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
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.

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
Your Art Supplies
Course Enquiry

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We’ll contact you when new class dates become available.

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Cancellations Policy

Our cancellation policy depends on the course you have booked.

 

Weekly courses and one-day workshops
Cancel 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 more
Cancel 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.

Book 2 courses at the same time for 10% Off*

Book 3 or more courses for get 20% Off*

*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.

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Currently No Classes Scheduled

We will be publishing new class dates soon. Click below to register your interest and we will be in touch with more information as soon as new classes become available.

Register Your Interest
Currently Unavailable

Currently No Classes Scheduled

We will be publishing new class dates soon. Click below to register your interest and we will be in touch with more information as soon as new classes become available.

Register Your Interest

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