Wednesdays, 9 a.m. - 4p.m.
Instructor: Morgan Dummitt
Six-Week Condensed Course (36 Hours)
Credit: Non-Credit or 1.0 Undergraduate Credit (See Below)

Modeling the portrait in clay is a foundational skill of traditional sculpture. Working from a model, learn to create a portrait from composition to completed sculpture. Instruction for this uniquely comprehensive course will encompass learning to build an armature, modeling the form in clay, and casting in plaster to preserve the finished artwork. Topics of study will include proportion, composition, structure, and simplified sculptural form. 

This class consists of six meetings, which will be divided as follows: 

Week 1: Armature Construction/Demo/Modeling 

Weeks 2 - 4: Clay Modeling 

Weeks 5 - 6: Plaster Casting 

Student Learning Outcomes

• Gain a basic understanding of the osteology, myology, and morphology of the head

• Analyze and organize the various forms of the head and neck into simplified sculptural forms

• Understand various techniques for creating a “likeness” of the sitter

• Carry out best practices for modeling and maintaining water-based clay sculpture

• Understand and execute basic plaster casting techniques

Note: Course tuition includes a $50 model fee. 

Optional: This course is available for 1.0 undergraduate credit for $745 (including models fee). Select credit option with price adjustment when registering.

Register by: July 2
Materials List
Summer 2025 CE Policy Guide, including withdrawal/refund policies

Wednesdays, 6 – 8 p.m. (Zoom with Posted Canvas Content)
Instructor: Deon Robinson
Six-Week Short Course (18-Hour Equivalent)
Credit: Non-Credit Only

Charcoal is one of the most common yet versatile drawing mediums, used to create both delicate and dramatic effects – perfect for portraiture. Work from photo sources, family/friends, or yourself as self-portrait subject to learn fine art principles and methodology to gain a comprehensive understanding of the head structure, proportions, and features toward achieving both a likeness and aesthetic effect. Explore additive and subtractive techniques for different types of charcoal implements to promote its malleability and capacity for rich value and contrast. All levels welcome. 

Register by: July 2
Materials List
Summer 2025 CE Policy Guide, including withdrawal/refund policies 
Information for PAFA CE Online Courses

Thursdays, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Instructor: Roberto Osti
Six-Week Condensed Course (36 Hours)
Credit: Non-Credit or 1.0 Undergraduate Credit (See Below)

Paint portraits from a variety of models using the direct painting method. Examine the proportions and volumes of the head, as well as the placement, structure, and characteristics of the facial features, through preliminary drawings and demonstrations. Develop color using a limited palette to understand how to use chroma, temperature, value, tint, and tone. Instruction will address materials, composition, paint handling, and color mixing, blending, and theory. Homework assignments working from photos, Masterworks, or oneself/others will encourage students to learn to make personal aesthetic and technical choices and to practice concepts addressed in class. Open to all levels, this course is excellent for beginners as well as experienced students who want to review fundamental techniques or who simply enjoy painting portraits from life. Note: Course tuition includes a $75 model fee.

Optional: This course is available for 1.0 undergraduate credit for $770 (including models fee). Select credit option with price adjustment when registering.

Image: Roberto Osti, Copy from William Paxton - Class Demonstration, oil on canvas.

Register by: July 3
Materials List
Summer 2025 CE Policy Guide, including withdrawal/refund policies

Thursdays, 6 – 9 p.m. 
Instructor: RA Friedman 
Six-Week Short Course (18 Hours) 
Credit: Non-Credit Only

For anyone seeking to advance their portrait drawing skills to the next level, this course takes a deep look at the functional and expressive anatomy of the human head including the face, neck, and shoulders. Explore head variations and how the face changes over time. Experiment with creative questions such as handling light and composition. Content includes drawing from life and working in larger formats with a wider range of media. Instruction will lay the groundwork for creative explorations that lead to professional quality work.  Tuition includes a $25 models fee.

Note: For foundational or alternative study, see Portrait Drawing: Structure and Features. Students need not enroll in both sections, and Structure and Features is not required for Expression and Likeness.

Register by: July 3
Materials List
Summer 2025 CE Policy Guide, including withdrawal/refund policies