The portrait as a genre is continuously being reinvented. In this course, students will have the opportunity to explore different materials and mediums as a means to find their own narrative, as well as experiment with various techniques and concepts. Each session will focus on a different medium. Beginning with pencils, charcoal, conte and pastel, students will gradually move from drawing to painting. The course will finish with explorations in watercolor and gouache. Demonstrations of techniques will be provided. Students will concentrate on how to achieve maximum effects using these mediums and techniques in drawing and painting through a classical approach: finding the right composition, defining form and structure through shadow and light, and mixing flesh tones. Models will be used for long poses. To complement in-class exercises, we will analyze the portrait as an art form from the Renaissance to contemporary works. This course is open to students of all levels.