Term 2 2026 | Beginners Portraits: Drawing with graphite, charcoal, and coloured pencil with Amy Sibenaler (MON)

Lecturer: Amy Sibenaler Mon 27 Apr – Mon 1 Jun 6:00pm – 9:00pm Level – Beginners Age – 16+ This is an adult class and is not suitable for students under 16 years of age. Students under 18, must obtain parental or guardian consent and submit a completed consent form before the class commences. This short course introduces students to the fundamentals of portrait drawing using graphite, charcoal, and coloured pencil. Focusing on developing strong observational skills, an understanding of facial structure and proportion, and confident mark-making across a range of dry media. Students will explore tonal range, line, texture, and layering techniques while learning how to capture likeness, expression, and character. Through guided demonstrations, practical exercises, and individual feedback, participants will be encouraged to work both intuitively and analytically, building portraits that balance accuracy with personal expression. By the end of the course, students will have many strategies to apply to the portrait drawing processes and greater confidence working with drawing materials, also encouraging confidence in drawing while supporting individual visual approaches to portraiture. Materials required: A2 or A3 sketchbook or cartridge paper if you wish work bigger* 2B & 4B graphite pencils* 1 pack of willow charcoal of mixed sizes 1 pack compressed charcoal or charcoal pencil erasers* rag (or old t-shirt) coloured pencils pencil sharpener *Asterisk indicates the materials needed for week 1 Amy Sibenaler is an emerging Australian visual artist working in the field of figurative painting and drawing. She received a Bachelor of Visual Art from Adelaide Central School of Art in 2025. Amy has studied internationally at the New York Studio School, Sibenalers’ work is grounded in the everyday, exploring the transformative potential the ordinary can offer. Centered on the figure and personal relationships, Sibenaler’s work offers connection through personal experience, struggle and her role as an artist’s mother. Sibenaler’s process involves constant shifts in drawing, erasing, applying paint, scraping back, layering and starting again, mirroring the rhythm of daily life. Aimed at capturing a felt moment or sensation remaining from a certain encounter. Each work is unique and invested with time, care and skill. Sibenaler has exhibited nationally and within South Australia. Her drawings and paintings have been finalists in the 24th Dobell Drawing Prize, The Prospect Portrait Prize, Gallery M Contemporary Art Prize and Gallery One Smallacombe Portrait Prize. Sibenaler has been involved in Artist Run Initiatives and her work is currently held in numerous private collections. Image Details: Amy Sibenaler, Yves, 2025, Coloured Pencil on Paper, 29x 42cm (cropped image), Image Credit: Amy Sibenaler Amy Sibenaler, Weight, 2024, Coloured Pencil on Paper, 150x160cm, Image Credit: Amy Sibenaler Amy Sibenaler, Spin, 2025, Coloured Pencil on Paper,150x160cm, Image Credit: Amy Sibenaler Please read the Terms and Conditions before completing your enrolment. Book before 20 March for the 5% Early Bird discount!