Diploma in Portraiture

At the beginning of the twenty-first century, Britain stands pre-eminent in maintaining the tradition of portraiture. Nowhere else in the world is this specialist art form a more important feature of cultural life. Portraiture is a record of individuals seen through the relationship between artist and sitter - a symbol and vehicle for the transmission of ideas and comment on the human condition.

Course Description

The Heatherley Diploma in Portraiture is a two year, full time course with an average attendance time of 3 days per week. The core projects of the course take place on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. In addition, there is a lecture programme. The majority of the course takes place in structured classes with a tutor. Work from the model is an integral part of the course activity. The aim of the course is to prepare students for professional practice as portrait and figurative painters. The emphasis of the course is on the practical application of techniques used in painting and drawing. In conjunction with this the discussion of ideas and philosophy of artists and art movements will help instil a profound understanding of the subject.

On completion of the course, students will have learnt to develop their ideas in a variety of media and to plan their work schedule. Experience will have been gained in understanding the artist/client relationship. There will be guidance in the presentation and marketing of work and self employment status for artists so that the fullest preparation is given to both the practical and business aspects of being a portrait painter. The Royal Society of Portrait Painters nominates one of its members as an external assessor. The Society of Portrait Sculptors also acts as external assessor to the course.

Course Content
The main emphasis of study will be in drawn and painted images from the model using a wide variety of media. Printmaking, photography and work in three dimensions will constitute essential elements of the course. Human anatomy, methods and materials, history of portraiture, pictorial composition and the construction of pictorial space will also be studied. Usually three full days in any week will be devoted to a specific project, with additional time in drawing, lectures and research.

Assessment and Tuition
Studio tuition will be supported by a personal tutorial every six weeks. Students will be required to produce some written work. There are two assessment stages during the course with the award of the Heatherley Diploma in Portraiture being dependent on a satisfactory second-year final assessment. The student will produce a body of work containing both course projects and ones devised personally. Tutors on the course include members of The Royal Society of Portrait Painters and National Portrait Gallery, John Player and BP Award winners. Students frequently exhibit at the Royal Portrait Society Show and at the National Portrait Gallery exhibition.