Description
Faces in Focus: A Beginner’s Guide to Portrait Drawing
Fee: $280 for 7 or $45 each
Instructor: Astrid Mendieta
Date & Time: Thursday’s - October 23rd thru December 18th (except Nov 6th and Nov 27th)
Portraits can feel intimidating, but they don’t have to be. In this course, you’ll learn simple, practical techniques to understand facial proportions, capture likeness, and build confidence in drawing people. We’ll explore both the science of measurement and the art of perception, teaching you to balance structure with observation.
You’ll learn how to sketch portraits so you can draw from life, as well as practice portraits from front, profile, and ¾ views. Along the way, we’ll study each facial feature individually, eyes, nose, mouth, and ears, before bringing them together into complete portraits. Whether you’ve never drawn before or you’re ready to deepen your knowledge of portrait drawing, this course will guide you step by step. Perfect for beginners who want to draw portraits with clarity, confidence, and life.
This course is designed for each class to build upon the previous class. Attending all 7 sessions is recommend as classes will build in difficulty.
Supply List:
*please bring the following supplies. All items can be purchased at Nevada Fine Arts. Mention you are taking a class and receive a 10% discount.
● Pencils 5h through 10b
● Willow charcoal sticks
● Blending stumps of different sizes
● 1 kneaded and 1 vinyl eraser
● Sharpener
● 3 charcoal sticks or charcoal pencils (soft,medium, hard)
● Sandpaper block
● 18x24in large sketchpad
● Tombow mono zero mechanical eraser
● Drawing board
● Sketchbook (optional but encouraged for practice at home)
● Easel (optional)
Overview:
Week 1: Introduction to Portraits & Proportion
Week 2: The Eyes
Week 3: Nose & Ears (Intro to Planes)
Week 4: Mouth & Profile Portraits
Week 5: ¾ View & Planes of the Head
Week 6: Drawing from Life: Head Rotation & Real Models
Week 7: Light, Shadow, Expression & Final Project
Artist Bio:
Astrid Carolina Mendieta is a mixed media artist, teacher, mentor, and spiritual guide who helps people release blockages and reconnect with their creative power through drawing, painting, and inner work. She trains students to see like artists, helping their work grow with depth, clarity, and confidence.
Her journey began when art became medicine during a deep depression, revealing creativity as a path to healing. After moving to the U.S., she pursued intensive art studies and began teaching and selling her work internationally.
Now based in Verdi, Nevada, she creates from her riverside studio, guiding others through workshops and mentorships that blend art with inner wisdom, empowering students to improve their skills and trust their creative potential. Her approach goes beyond technique, helping students reconnect with their intuition and express their unique voice.
Non Refundable Policy
To ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for all participants, please be aware of the following policy regarding class fees:
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Non-Refundable Fee: All class fees are non-refundable. Once your payment is processed, it is considered final.
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Cancellations by the Shop: In the rare event that we need to cancel a class due to unforeseen circumstances (such as instructor illness, insufficient enrollment, or other emergencies), participants will be offered a full refund or credit towards a future class.
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Agreement: By registering for a class, you agree to this non-refundable policy. We recommend reviewing your schedule and availability before committing to a class.
We appreciate your understanding and cooperation. Your commitment to your creative pursuits is important to us, and we look forward to having you in our classes!
If you have any questions or need further assistance, please contact us at 775-786-1128.