The Complete Portrait Drawing Course
This unique course covers a comprehensive procedure for drawing a beautiful portrait. David Jamieson guides students though developing a portrait from start to finish in a video demonstration that presents nearly every last pencil stroke.
As Featured in Ultralearning by Scott H. Young!
Taking our online portrait drawing course was how Scott Young improved his portrait drawing skills in 30 days! That and other learning challenges are featured in Ultralearning, his new best-selling book about mastering hard skills.
Learning to draw is hard. But it’s doubly hard if you don’t have the right technique. Using the approach outlined in this course, I was able to get a lot better at drawing portraits in just one month. Vitruvian Studio is my go-to source for art instruction online.
– Scott H. Young
As Featured in Ultralearning by Scott H. Young!
Taking our online portrait drawing course was how Scott Young improved his portrait drawing skills in 30 days! That and other learning challenges are featured in Ultralearning, his new best-selling book about mastering hard skills.
Learning to draw is hard. But it’s doubly hard if you don’t have the right technique. Using the approach outlined in this course, I was able to get a lot better at drawing portraits in just one month. Vitruvian Studio is my go-to source for art instruction online.
– Scott H. Young
Transform Your Struggle Into Stunning, Life-Like Portraits—Without Years of Trial and Error
If you've ever tried to draw a portrait, you already know that it's difficult. To get the results you want, there are so many things that have to be done correctly that it can seem overwhelming. When you see beautiful portraits by others, they often seem like magic, and can leave you wondering how did they do that?
You're not alone. Most artists spend years frustrated, erasing more than they draw, never quite capturing what they see. Whether you're attempting pencil portraits, charcoal portraits, or line drawings, the challenges remain the same.
I'm not here to tell you that portrait drawing isn't hard. It is. It's one of the hardest things you can attempt – right up there with learning to play an instrument or speak a new language.
But I am here to tell you that successful portraits are the product of a sound method. Good results come from good decisions. Good decisions come in part from knowing what to do, what to look for, and in what sequence. The key difference between artists who create portraits that wow people and those who stay stuck? A proven, step-by-step system that takes the guesswork out of every stroke. That knowledge is what a good drawing method can provide, which is what I teach my students in this comprehensive portrait drawing workshop.
What You'll Learn in This Portrait Drawing Course – Perfect for Beginners and Advanced Artists
Inside this course, you'll learn the fundamental skills and drawing techniques that I use to make my own portrait drawings:
- A sequential method for drawing that works for drawing anything – not just portraits. This proven process ensures consistent results every time.
- Methods of measuring and sighting that help you understand the proportions of your subject and help you identify and solve problems. Free yourself from grids or formulaic approaches like the Loomis method and get a likeness fast.
- Details about the best drawing materials for portrait work – including the specific materials for pencil portraits that I use and why.
- How to use "squinting" to understand the value relationships on your subject and in your drawing.
How to capture subtle curvature easily and accurately. Learn an easy way to see and draw complex shapes with confidence. - Portrait drawing fundamentals that will help you draw natural-looking facial features through understanding the major structural characteristics of the eyes, ears, nose and mouth. Master the head's structure and learn techniques for drawing hair with volume and texture.
- How to use value progressions to capture the effect of the light and make a portrait appear 3-dimensional.
- Realistic portrait drawing techniques for achieving life-like results and convincing realism.
- Step-by-step tutorials that break down complex concepts into manageable lessons.
PLUS: You'll work alongside me as I complete an entire portrait from start to finish—working from a provided reference photo—seeing exactly how every decision is made, every problem is solved, and every detail comes together. This hands-on portrait training covers everything from the initial block-in to the final details, making it the best online course for portrait drawing out there, whether you're just starting out or looking to refine your skills.
The Step-by-Step Process Professional Portrait Artists Use
Learn a systematic process that takes you from blank paper to finished portrait. This course breaks down the process of portraiture into manageable steps, teaching you techniques for blocking in basic shapes, establishing accurate proportions using reference points, and building up value progressions. You'll learn the best way to approach each stage of a portrait, from initial sketch to final details.
The course covers advanced techniques for achieving a likeness, working from photo references effectively, and developing your ability to capture likeness. Whether you prefer to sketch loosely or render in detail, you'll learn techniques that adapt to your artistic goals.
Your Complete Portrait Drawing System – Online Classes You Can Take at Your Own Pace
This course features:
- 5 Step-by-Step Modules, each containing multiple lessons. Over 10 hours of video content in all.
- Supporting text and images in each lesson.
- Downloadable PDF Guides for each module.
- Lifetime Access to the Course -- Go At Your Own Pace
- Free Lifetime Updates
- Learn how to draw portraits step by step with clear, detailed instruction.
- A reliable method that works for drawing portraits, or anything else, which can be applied to a variety of media, like pencil or charcoal.
This comprehensive portraiture course is designed for artists of all skill levels – whether you're a complete beginner learning portrait drawing for the first time, or an experienced artist looking to master realistic drawing techniques. The course includes portrait lessons that cover everything from basic portrait drawing to advanced shading and rendering.
No subscription fees. No recurring charges. Pay once, learn forever!
Meet Your Instructor – Award-Winning Portrait Artist David Jamieson
I'm David Jamieson, a professional portrait artist and drawing instructor who has dedicated over 25 years to mastering and teaching the art of portraiture. Throughout my career, I've worked with thousands of students—from complete beginners to advanced artists—and I've seen firsthand what makes people struggle with portrait drawing and, more importantly, how to guide them through those challenges.
My teaching approach is built on decades of experience, both at my own easel and in the classroom. I understand the frustration of trying to capture a likeness, the difficulty of getting proportions right, and the challenge of making drawings feel alive. That's why I've developed a systematic method that breaks down the complex process of portrait drawing into clear, manageable steps that actually work.
While I don't usually talk about awards, I believe it's important for you to know that the techniques I teach have been recognized at the highest levels of the art world. Recently, my work has been honored with:
- 1st Place in Drawing, 2024 & 2025 International Competition of the Portrait Society of America (two years in a row)
- 1st Place in Drawing, 2024 Almenara Art Prize Competition
- Silver Medal of Honor, 111th Annual Exhibition of the Allied Artists of America
- The Almenara Residency Prize, Royal Society of Portrait Painters' 2025 Drawing Exhibition
But here's what matters most: these aren't just accolades—they're proof that the methods I teach in this course produce professional-level results. The same systematic approach, drawing techniques, and problem-solving strategies I use in my award-winning work are exactly what I share with my students in this course.
When you learn from me, you're not just getting theory—you're getting battle-tested techniques from someone who has spent decades perfecting the craft and helping others do the same. I'm passionate about teaching because I know the transformation that happens when a student finally "gets it." That's what this course is designed to do for you.
Here's What Our Students Say:
But don't take my word for it. I've taught thousands of satisfied over the years. Here's a tiny sampling of what they have to say...
Finally Found the Portrait Training That Actually Works
"I want you to know that I have tried other online courses and you are the best one out there. Your method of teaching is just great. I have watched the first two lessons completely at least 6 times, and each time I pick something up. Usually it is just something so small it can be overlooked easily. My work has gotten better because of it and for that I truly thank you."
– Ray, Wooster, OH
More in One Lesson Than Years of Classes
"I just completed my first time through the lesson! I am totally impressed and inspired. I first thought I would watch the lessons through a couple of times and then attempt a portrait drawing on my own using my newly learned skills. After the detailed instruction, I believe I can begin after one time through and use the lessons as a reference in the process. I can’t wait to begin. I have sought portrait instruction through the years in books and classes but have not found one that offered so much material and so easily followed. I am a self taught artist. You have added a whole new dimension to my learning curve. Thank you."
– Chris, Charlotte, NC
Speechless at How Much I've Learned
"I just wanted to send huge thanks for the information that you have given me in order to further my development in portrait drawing. I am speechless of how much I have learned within the small period of time I have spent with the drawing course. I am more than excited to tackle the rest of the course! Thanks again!"
– Jo, Porter, TX
This Is Exactly What Was Promised—And So Much More
"Thank you for making a product that is exactly what you say it was. I’ve seen your competitors claim things like, “complete portrait drawing lessons, from start to finish.” The actual content they offer is laughable compared to what is offered here. I’ve spent the last 8-9 months scouring the internet for exactly this kind of drawing tuition, but I simply did not believe that it was available; at any price. I hope you sell a million of these."
– Sam, Knoxville, TN
The Best Drawing Class I've Ever Taken
"This is the best drawing class I have ever taken. Its structure, videos, notes, flexibility and ability to contact the featured artist make it a thorough and enlightening course. I have learnt so much and while I am very happy with the end result, the class has made me recognise further areas that need improvement and has given me the ability to improve on those. I look forward to doing the class again and then taking on the challenge of working with other portrait subjects."
– Nancy, Newcastle, NSW, AUSTRALIA
Why Choose This Portrait Course?
This portrait drawing course focuses specifically on the challenges of capturing the human face with a unique method that gets results. You'll learn a proven way to draw a portrait that works with photo references or drawing from life, understand facial structure & proportions, and develop your skills through a sustained portrait drawing exercise.
You'll learn to see shapes accurately, use reference materials effectively, and check your decisions with effective measuring techniques. Whether you're interested in creating sketches or highly realistic pencil portraits, this course will teach you the fundamental techniques every portrait artist needs to know.
This is the best portrait drawing course for anyone serious about mastering representational art and creating stunning, life-like portraits.
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Ready to Draw Portraits You'll Be Proud to Share?
Suggested Items:
This course guides you through a procedure for drawing a realistic portrait. As such, drawing materials are required for you to complete the course work.
A full materials list is available in the course if you prefer to do your own shopping, but we also offer a kit for your convenience.
Get Started for Free!
Subscribe to get our latest content by email, and get a FREE Drawing Materials Guide – a catalog of the materials we use in the studio and as seen in our time-lapse videos on YouTube!
Suggested Items:
This course guides you through a procedure for drawing a realistic portrait. As such, drawing materials are required for you to complete the course work.
A full materials list is available in the course if you prefer to do your own shopping, but we also offer a kit for your convenience.
Course Content
Module 1 – Introduction
About Instructor
Course Includes
- 27 Lessons
Get Started For Free!
Subscribe to get our latest content by email, including drawing tips, periodic updates on new courses and videos. And get a FREE Drawing Materials Guide – a catalog of the materials we use in the studio and as seen in our time-lapse videos on YouTube!