Using photography as a studio reference has been part of representational practice since the late nineteenth century. This workshop teaches you how to turn photos into realistic drawn portraits. You’ll learn to create depth and dimension using various types of lines, lighting and composition.
This course focuses on the basics of translating a photo into a convincing drawn portrait. Students will develop their ability to describe form through the use of varied line quality while learning how to combat the unique challenges of working from photo. Participants will also learn how to create stronger reference images of their own, with guidance on lighting and composition. Incorporating the skill of drawing from photo into one's toolkit makes it possible to work from more complex or sustained poses and offers an accessible way to continue developing your studio practice outside the classroom.
Over five weeks, students will complete a sustained portrait drawing, progressing from the block-in stage to a fully rendered drawing. By the end of the course, students will have gained greater independence in working from photo reference while maintaining a sensitive and structurally informed approach to portrait drawing.
All materials provided. This workshop welcomes artists of all levels.
Teaching Artist: Allison Baxter
5 weeks
Saturdays 1:00 - 4:00
March 7 - April 4, 2026
Studio J-Bo
4651 Nicollet Ave S
Minneapolis, MN 55419
Using photography as a studio reference has been part of representational practice since the late nineteenth century. This workshop teaches you how to turn photos into realistic drawn portraits. You’ll learn to create depth and dimension using various types of lines, lighting and composition.
This course focuses on the basics of translating a photo into a convincing drawn portrait. Students will develop their ability to describe form through the use of varied line quality while learning how to combat the unique challenges of working from photo. Participants will also learn how to create stronger reference images of their own, with guidance on lighting and composition. Incorporating the skill of drawing from photo into one's toolkit makes it possible to work from more complex or sustained poses and offers an accessible way to continue developing your studio practice outside the classroom.
Over five weeks, students will complete a sustained portrait drawing, progressing from the block-in stage to a fully rendered drawing. By the end of the course, students will have gained greater independence in working from photo reference while maintaining a sensitive and structurally informed approach to portrait drawing.
All materials provided. This workshop welcomes artists of all levels.
Teaching Artist: Allison Baxter
5 weeks
Saturdays 1:00 - 4:00
March 7 - April 4, 2026
Studio J-Bo
4651 Nicollet Ave S
Minneapolis, MN 55419