Portrait Masterclass
WITH FATIMA PANTOJA
Monday 18th October 2026 – 10am to 5pm – £100 (plus bring some materials)
This workshop is suitable for Adults and older teens (16+).
Learn everything about portrait drawing and painting with one of the Portrait Artist of the Year semifinalists.
Whether you are a complete beginner or a professional artist, this workshop will be tailored to your level to ensure you get the most out of the experience.
They will work in Black and White in the morning and Colour in the afternoon.
Bring your own materials and boards/easels!
This workshop offers flexibility in both technique and approach. It is divided into two parts:
PART 1: BLACK & WHITE (APPROX. 3 HOURS)
Focus on dry techniques such as graphite or charcoal.
You will learn:
- How to approach a portrait
- Understanding proportions and facial structure
- Building form through shading and tonal values
You will work from photographic references during this session.
PART 2: COLOUR (APPROX. 3 HOURS)
Explore colour using your preferred medium:
- Soft pastels
- Oils
- Acrylics
This session will cover:
- Colour mixing
- Basics of colour theory
- Applying colour to portrait work
A live model will be available for this part of the workshop.
Flexibility
- You may choose to stick with one technique throughout the workshop or experiment with multiple mediums.
- If you prefer, you can continue working in black and white during the second part instead of switching to colour.
- Alternative reference images will be available if you prefer not to work from a live model.
Important information
- This is a 6-hour workshop. Please bring your own snacks.
- Come prepared to get messy.
- Some materials and tools will be available to try, but you are required to take your own supplies (see materials list).
Reference images
Fatima will provide a selection of images, but you are welcome to bring your own.
Recommended guidelines for references:
- Size: A5
- Lighting: No backlighting or flash
- Angle: ¾ view
- Beginners are advised to avoid very young faces or faces wearing make up.
city arts newbury
City Arts Newbury is the place to come and feel welcome and find your creativity!
City Arts aim to promote, maintain, improve and advance education and appreciation of the arts in all forms in West Berkshire and the surrounding areas.
To promote social inclusion for the public benefit by preventing people from becoming socially excluded, assist them to integrate into and contribute to society.
It was created in 2015 by Claire Struthers-Semple and Isabel Carmona with the aim of providing a friendly and welcoming place to learn, share, teach, collaborate and exhibit art.
A place where people could come together and enjoy Art in a friendly environment.
On Friday mornings you are able to take part in Friday Art Sessions which are free and a way to meet new people while trying various art techniques.
These sessions receive funding in various ways so they can pay the artists delivering the sessions fairly.
There is always an exhibition to see at City Arts, and they are free to visit!
They offer affordable exhibition space to artists and collaborate with local schools and projects to showcase creativity.
There are opportunities for artists to submit work for their Open Exhibitions each on a particular theme.
Check their programme of exhibitions to check what is on offer .
They are proud of their involvement in the community and run seasonal free and low cost events.
With their commitment to the community, they have a strong ethos of equality and inclusion.
Their flagship Chalkfest event takes place every August – they take over the Market Square in Newbury and enjoy brightening up the pavement!
A competition of the chalk drawings is judged by a local artist with prizes for different age groups.
01635 242536
City Art Hub café
The café works hand in hand with their free exhibitions, art workshops, and courses — offering visitors a welcoming space to relax, connect, and enjoy fresh food and drink alongside their creative experiences.
Opening Hours:
Wednesday afternoons: 1:30 to 3:30pm (drinks only – grant funded)
Thursday to Sunday: 10am to 4pm.
- Homemade Cakes & Bakes made with fresh ingredients
- Seasonal Soups & Savouries, changing with the season
- Carefully crafted Coffee & Tea by our trained baristas
- Allergy-Friendly Options for everyone to enjoy
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