Drawing at the National Portrait Gallery: half-day workshop with Laura Smith: London

London’s National Portrait Gallery is home to an extraordinary collection of diverse and exciting portraits, including paintings by David Hockney, Vanessa Bell and Leon Kossoff.

Tutor Laura Smith is passionate about drawing from paintings. She believes that it slows down our looking and allows us to see more deeply into the mind of the artist. She will draw alongside students, sharing her approach to the activity.

The session will begin with a short introduction to the collection and suggestions for drawing subjects. Students will then be encouraged to split off and draw from whichever painting most appeals to them.

After drawing, everyone will gather together and spend time walking through the gallery, looking at the paintings that were drawn from and sharing thoughts and ideas. Students will be encouraged to seek out works that speak to them and respond in their own, unique way. 

All levels of experience are welcome.