Portrait Drawing for Beginners
Learn the foundations of one of art’s most timeless subjects - the human face
🕒 3 hours | 👥 1 to 10 guests | $150 per person
Suitable for ages 15+
What you'll do
Join portrait artist Darren Wells for a hands-on portrait drawing workshop in Sydney where you’ll discover the techniques behind his unique style. Using graphite pencil, you’ll learn how to create expressive portraits while exploring essential skills such as:
Choosing and using the right drawing equipment
Stylised mark-making and blending techniques
Building confidence in portraiture, even as a beginner
This workshop is ideal for beginners as well as anyone looking to refresh long-dormant art skills. It’s the perfect way to reconnect with your creativity in a supportive, inspiring environment.
What to Expect:
Bring along a printed A4 black and white photo of the subject you’d like to draw, this could even be your pet! If you don’t have a reference image, no worries — we’ll provide a selection of great options and guide you on what makes a strong reference for portrait drawing.
Your Takeaway:
By the end of this Sydney art class, you’ll have created your own A4 graphite pencil portrait to take home, along with your drawing kit (graphite pencil, kneadable eraser, and blending stump). You’ll leave with the tools and confidence to continue your portraiture journey beyond the workshop.
Sydneys best portrait artist
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Sydneys best portrait artist ✿
Meet Darren!
Darren Wells is a Sydney-based artist specialising in portraiture, working primarily in graphite and charcoal. With a Bachelor of Arts, Darren draws inspiration from artists classic and contemporary alike, and believes every face tells a story as he strives towards bringing each subject to life in his work.
Darren also has a background in writing and communication, with years of experience working across magazines, content agencies and event curation.
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perfect for beginners or those looking to reinvigorate long-dormant skills, and is sure to tap into your creative spirit. Bring your friends, family, or come solo to meet like-minded creative minds!
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All tools and materials provided, including paper, pencils, erasures ect.
(although you’re welcome to bring your own tools)Professional guidance from experienced artists
A feel-good, inspiring art class in Sydney’s Inner West
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Accessibility: Our venue is wheelchair-friendly.
Timeliness: Please arrive on time; late arrivals may result in rescheduling at the instructor’s discretion.
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Please note: Public dates for this class require at least 4 guests to run. In the unlikely event that we don't reach this number, we'll cancel the class; in this case we'll inform you and allow you to get a refund or reschedule, so please watch your email/SMS one day prior to the class.
Terms and Conditions
All bookings are final within 48 hours of your workshop — no refunds, reschedules, or credits can be offered.
If you are late or miss your session (no-show), we are unable to refund or reschedule as materials and staffing are prepared in advance.
Please arrive 5–10 minutes early to 324 Norton Street, Leichhardt. Doors open at the class start time.
Thank you for supporting small creative businesses!
Our studio location
324 Norton Street Leichhardt, Sydney
We’re located just a 3-minute walk from Leichhardt North Light Rail, and only a 10-minute drive from Sydney CBD. There’s a bus stop right out front, and plenty of parking nearby, 2-hour parking on Norton Street, or 4-hour parking on William Street.
Make a day of it! Grab a coffee from Monte before your class or head to Bar Italia after for dinner in the heart of Little Italy. Our studio is surrounded by good vibes, great food, and everything you need for a perfect creative outing.
Let’s be friends!
Follow us on Instagram or facebook @studioinnerwest
