Portrait drawing w/ live model
Beyond the Basics: A PIE Course
Date and time
Tuesday, 18. November 2025, 19.00
Further dates
Overview
Advanced
Some prior experience is recommended.
De & En
Our guide speaks fluent German and English.
Studio Zürich
4 × 2.5 hours
One class per week, over 4 weeks
Multi-day Course
Hands-on sessions to learn real skills in just one go.
Guide: Valeri
Valeri is our Kursentwicklerin & Kunstlehrerin
What we will be doing
Master the face in four weeks — one line at a time.
Want to draw portraits that actually look like people? This four-week course is here to help you understand the structure of the human face — and give you the tools, techniques, and confidence to draw it like a pro.
You’ll work with a variety of materials including pencil and charcoal, and each session will focus on a specific element of portrait drawing: structure, features, proportion, light and shadow, expression, and more.
Each class includes a short demo & discussion, followed by guided exercises — first from photo reference, and in the final week, you’ll draw from a live model right in the Studio.
✏️ What to Expect
A deep dive into portrait drawing fundamentals — over 4 evening sessions
- Explore different media: pencil, charcoal, pastel, and sanguine
- Learn facial construction, anatomy, gesture & expression
- Weekly drawing exercises from reference images
- A full live model session in the final class
- Feedback, support & gentle critique throughout
- All levels welcome (though some drawing experience helps!)
🎒 What’s Included
- All materials (paper, drawing tools, boards, etc.)
- Studio use & storage for your artworks
- Live model posing in week 4
- Individual guidance and instructor feedback
Just bring your curiosity and a positive attitude — we’ll take care of the rest!
💡 What You’ll Learn
- Basic face construction: skull shapes, symmetry, planes
- Drawing key features: eyes, nose, mouth, ears, hair
- Shading and light techniques to create depth
- Proportions, structure & expression
- How to capture personality — not just likeness
🎯 Is This Course Right for Me?
If you’ve done our Introduction to Drawing Course, or have basic drawing experience, this is your next step. You’ll build a strong foundation for portraiture and grow your skills week by week.
Even experienced artists will benefit from focused exercises and live model practice. For more advanced students, join our studio sessions for more independent, project-based learning.
📦 A Few More Things to Know
- Arrival: Please come 15 minutes early to settle in and connect with your classmates.
- Storage: We’ll safely store your creations between classes and package them nicely at the end of the course.
- Keep practicing: Learning doesn’t stop when class ends. We recommend joining our studio sessions to continue growing in a supportive, creative community.
🥂 First Class Vibes: Sips, Snacks & Hellos
We like to start things off on a warm and social note. During the first class, we’ll take a little extra time to get to know each other — and we’ll celebrate the beginning of your creative journey with a complimentary welcome drink. Choose from:
- A soft drink or hot drink
- A glass of wine, prosecco, or beer
- Or our rotating Cocktail of the Week
You can also upgrade to one of our signature drinks, mocktails, or smoothies for just CHF 5–9.
🍴 Feeling peckish?
Our Creative Café offers a delicious à la carte menu during class sessions — think wraps, salad bowls, finger foods, and light snacks — perfect for staying energized while you create. Extra drinks are available at standard menu prices.
What are PIE multi-day course?
Learn art in 4-6 weeks for sustainable learning
Learn more about PIE multi-day courses
Yes — this course is for participants with some basic drawing knowledge. If you’re just starting out, we recommend our Introduction to Drawing course as a perfect first step!
Yes — but only during the last session. Before that, we’ll work from photo references and clothed models. By the time we draw from the nude model, you’ll be ready and confident.
You don’t need to bring anything — we provide all the necessary materials. Just show up ready to focus, draw, and explore the human face through observation and practice.
Private event
You can also enjoy this or similar events privately. To the event planner
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«One of the best places in the city to switch off with creative projects, good coffee and a warm atmosphere. The studio offers unique courses and workshops - with a great team that combines knowledge with fun.»
Salony Roongta
«The evenings in the PIE Studio are always wonderful. A place where you can give free rein to your creativity and connect with like-minded people. Don't miss the chance - become part of the community!»
Laura Company
«A great place to get a little happiness boost and be creative! Wonderful people and a great atmosphere - definitely worth a visit. I've already done several drawing and painting courses in the studio and I'm really pleased that there's now a café too!»
Valentijn Broeken
«Paint It Easy is my creative feel-good place in Zurich. Whether painting courses, open studios or brunch & paint - everything is just right here. Great team, relaxed atmosphere and always new ideas to try out!»
Ally Z
«We absolutely loved the Creative Café - delicious food, a relaxed atmosphere and the creative freedom to just get started spontaneously. We painted ceramics, got inspired and immediately wanted to try lino printing on our next visit!»
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