SKETCHING THE PORTRAIT: FOUR TECHNIQUES | PATRICK BYRNES

7 May

Dates: Thu 14th – Sun 17th May 2026
Times: 10am - 5pm
Location: Enniskerry
Skill Level: all levels welcome

Please see detailed workshop information below

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aBOUT THE WORKSHOP

In this four-day workshop, artists will learn to create portrait sketches that evince the beauty and humanity of the model with freshness, sensitivity, and lively detail.

Using a lucid step-by-step approach, participants will draw four portrait sketches of four different live models.

Patrick will guide artists with daily demonstrations and in-depth personal critiques through each stage of the process – from creating a strong likeness with accurate drawing, to interpreting the light effect, modeling form, and seeking a balance between sculptural, graphic and atmospheric aesthetic aims.

Cranial anatomy, perspective, materials, and the physics of light will also be discussed throughout each session.

Each day of the workshop presents a different technique and will be divided into two basic components. Mornings begin with a short lecture and comprehensive demonstration, introducing and illustrating core concepts for each theme: coloured pencil on white paper, graphite and white chalk on toned paper, charcoal on toned paper, and trois crayons. Following the demonstration and for the rest of the day participants will focus on drawing the model with the guidance of detailed, personalise critiques emphasising a highly organised approach that combines optical and conceptual analysis.

Novice, intermediate, and advanced artists welcome— instruction will be customised to individual levels of experience. Typically, each participant will receive 20-30 minutes of personalised instructor feedback each day.

- Capture likeness with confidence – learn step-by-step methods to create accurate and expressive portrait sketches.
- Master light and form – interpret light effects, model three-dimensional form, and balance sculptural, graphic, and atmospheric qualities.
- Explore multiple techniques – practice four distinct approaches across the workshop:
  - Colored pencil on white paper
  - Graphite and white chalk on toned paper
  - Charcoal on toned paper
  - Trois crayons (red, black, and white)
- Understand the foundations – gain insights into cranial anatomy, perspective, the physics of light, and material handling.
- Learn from live demonstrations – watch daily instructor-led demos that clearly explain each stage of the process.
- Benefit from tailored feedback – receive 20–30 minutes of in-depth, personalized critique each day, customized to your level of experience.
- Grow at your own pace – instruction is designed for novice, intermediate, and advanced artists alike.
- Develop a structured approach – combine optical observation with conceptual analysis for portraits that feel both fresh and deeply human.
- Daily Format:
  - Morning lecture & live demonstration introducing the day’s technique
  - Afternoon studio session drawing from a live model with guided critique
- Mediums Covered (one per day):
  1. Coloured pencil on white paper
  2. Graphite & white chalk on toned paper
  3. Charcoal on toned paper
  4. Trois crayons (red, black, white)
- Personalised Feedback throughout the day.
- Progressive Learning: Each day builds on core concepts of likeness, light, anatomy, and form while introducing new technical challenges.
DAY ONE:
-1 sheet smooth white drawing paper, minimum size 11x14in (recommended brands: Canson, Strathmore, Arches, Fabriano Artistico)
-1 colored pencil, medium to dark in value (e.g. blue, brown, red, violet, dark green etc.)
-eraser and pencil sharpener
DAY TWO:
-1 sheet light to medium toned, smooth drawing paper, minimum size 11x14in (if 1 is black and 10 is white, a neutral tone in the 6-8 range is recommended. The Canson “Mi-Teintes” line of papers includes a variety of tones that could work well for this technique.)
-graphite pencils H, HB, and B
-white chalk/white colored pencil (I recommend General’s white chalk and/or something more waxy like Prismacolor white colored pencil)
-kneaded eraser
-hard rubber eraser (e.g. Tombo Mono Zero)
-pencil sharpener
DAY THREE:
-1 sheet light to medium toned, smooth drawing paper, minimum size 11x14in
-Vine or willow charcoal
-Small bristle brush or blending tool aka stump
DAY FOUR:
-1 sheet light to medium toned, smooth drawing paper, minimum size 11x14in
-Black, red, and white chalk or colored pencils. I recommend colored pencils for their versatility and control as tonal and graphic tools— Prismacolor brand pencils (in black, white, and terra cotta/scarlet red) work especially well for this technique.
Alternatively— charcoal or graphite with white chalk, and sanguine may be used.