Graphite Portraits for Beginners with Sylvia Gortz

Fridays, January 16-30, 2026 | 1:00 - 3:00pm

Discover the joy of drawing faces! This three-session beginner workshop is designed to make portrait drawing fun, simple, and approachable. You’ll learn to see like an artist, capture personality through sketching, and bring your portraits to life — all in a relaxed, supportive environment. All supplies are included, so just bring your curiosity and creativity — we’ll take care of the rest! Some drawing experience is helpful but not necessary.

Session 1: Seeing Like an Artist
Learn how to observe shapes, proportions, and angles that make every face unique. Practice drawing facial features to build confidence and loosen up your drawing style.

Session 2: Building the Face
Discover simple ways to map out facial features — no anatomy lessons required! You’ll learn how to balance eyes, nose, and mouth while keeping your drawings natural and full of character.

Session 3: Expression & Personality
Add life to your portraits with shading, highlights, and texture. In this final session, you’ll bring together everything you’ve learned to create a finished portrait that captures true personality and emotion.

All supplies are included. No experience needed — just come ready to have fun and create. Limited spaces available — reserve your spot today!

Registration closes when workshop is full!

About the Instructor

Sylvia was born in New York. She is a painter/mixed media artist. Earning a BA in Art, from Whittier College in CA, & CE at SVA in NYC, she has been involved in many facets of art throughout the years. Her love of art continues to play a dominant role as her career evolved from neon artist/artist, to art teacher, visual display, and most recently as gallery owner, art consultant, part time realtor, & “pop up” curator. She has always been an artist, through it all.