How to learn to draw a portrait from a photograph in a weekend

1. 4. 20262 min read

This weekend reminded me exactly why I do all of this.

My studio in Beroun hosted a weekend course in drawing pencil portraits from photographs. And although I could write about techniques, proportions or shading… the truth is that the weekend was mostly about something quite different.

Three wonderful women joined me here.
Each was different, with her own story.
They brought a wealth of life experience, emotion and extraordinary depth.

And all of that found its way into their drawings.

Learning to “see”

Many people think they cannot draw.
But often it is not about having a “skilful hand”…
it is about learning to see.

Throughout the weekend, I guided them step by step.
I showed them how to look at a portrait differently.
I explained how to break down the face into sections and observe proportions, shadows and light.

I showed them how to stop drawing “an eye as we think it looks”…
and start drawing what we actually see.

That is when things begin to change.

That moment when you ask yourself, “Did I really draw that?”

I love this.

That moment when someone looks at their drawing and realises for the first time that it is not just chance.
That it makes sense.
That it looks like a real person.

And that is exactly what happened.

If you look at the photographs from the course, you will see the progress.
Not over weeks. Not over months.
But in just a few hours.

And that will never cease to fascinate me.

It is not just about drawing

That weekend was not just about portraits.

It was about sharing.
About stories.
About those moments when time stands still as you draw, and you are simply here, in the present.

And I am so grateful to be part of it.
To be able to pass on my experience.
And to welcome back people who want to create, try something new… or simply take a little time away from everything else.