--- title: "Portrait & Figure Sketching Courses in Bangalore | Pencil & Chai" description: "Master portrait sketching and figure drawing at our Jayanagar art studio. Learn professional portrait sketching techniques with guided practice and small batches." canonical: https://mytribe.in/pencilandchai/sketching-drawing-courses/capturing-life-portrait-figure-sketching last_updated: 2025-08-30 --- # Portrait & Figure Sketching Courses Tribe Verified · Dedicated art Gurukul in Jayanagar since 2011. By [Pencil and Chai](https://mytribe.in/pencilandchai) · In-person classes at studio in Jayanagar & outdoors in Bengaluru · ₹9,999 per course (estimate) Part of [Sketching & Drawing Courses](https://mytribe.in/pencilandchai/sketching-drawing-courses). [View full gallery](https://mytribe.in/pencilandchai/sketching-drawing-courses/gallery) Move beyond the basics to capture the human spirit on paper. From understanding skull structure to mastering lifelike expressions, our portrait and figure drawing modules focus on steady, guided practice to help you see the world as an artist. ## Photos and videos - ![How do you start a portrait? We begin with the fundamentals of head study, learning proportions and angles before moving on to capture the unique spirit of a person.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/64ac272d-4e61-4b6a-aa15-be2c034e7938) - [Video: A portrait is more than just a likeness; it's a story told through light, texture, and expression. This video shows the process of bringing a face to life with pencil.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/66dceb96-970a-4062-9e5f-76457dcea485) - ![A study sheet showing the breakdown of facial features. We teach students to observe and draw each part of the face, from eyes and noses to the structure of lips.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/5fdaa38a-7cef-4d87-b198-8c8b6d1529ff) - ![An example of using the Loomis method for head construction. This grid helps students understand the proportions of the head from a side profile.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/66aa5b8e-039e-4212-8ad0-aa474d10614d) - ![The key is "Head Study". This front-view construction shows how we map out the face to ensure all features are placed correctly.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/ac7039df-0860-4bea-9c26-20a5df27d864) - ![Practicing drawing the head from different angles is crucial for creating believable portraits. This sketch demonstrates a three-quarter view.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/78978924-f58c-4c37-99dc-db65329af266) - [Video: This video breaks down the different types of strokes used to create realistic hair, from hairline strokes to side vanishing strokes that give form and flow.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/09f36bb0-63e6-4c0c-9d5f-ab7956e70d88) - [Video: A close-up of an instructor demonstrating how to sketch a portrait. We believe in learning by doing, with live demos to guide you.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/42b348d6-5c9a-4f8f-93ab-619f1a535153) - [Video: From a blank page to a finished portrait sketch. This video shows the progression of a student's work in our classroom.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/b4162c97-18fd-4549-ac03-6ac7233eaed5) - ![A page from a student's sketchbook filled with character studies. We explore different face shapes, hairstyles, and expressions to develop unique characters.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/5fcbbf27-86f4-41d7-ab2c-d0b1d49d3f27) - ![More character exploration, this time with a focus on capturing the joyful expression of a child.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/bd4a1ad2-f1e3-41b9-b596-88439c74272d) - ![A student's practice sheet focusing on drawing eyes, noses, and the overall structure of a character's face.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/e8a7e0f3-7931-427e-8eb8-00e75d23ce8b) - ![A collection of sketches practicing different facial features and expressions, a key exercise in our character design lessons.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/7c797298-ec33-4f2e-9f21-4eff45417a0f) - ![In our cartooning course, we teach how to exaggerate features and expressions to create memorable and emotive characters.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/8a2f7699-8dd7-4af5-81eb-ef1d3336b454) - ![Another character sketch from our cartooning course, this one capturing a sense of melancholy and thought.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/85659ced-d5d8-411a-b68b-a2b480ddf50c) - ![A student begins a portrait of the Buddha, a final project in our watercolor course that combines portrait skills with painting techniques.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/be2642bc-9b00-4332-826b-a27a026c4e24) - [Video: From basic mannequin figures to fully fleshed-out characters, our figure drawing course teaches you the fundamentals of anatomy and movement.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/d14502c8-a910-4ae7-be7d-c83e9217f9f8) - ![This is Shamanth, a dedicated student who moved to Bangalore for our certification program. His progress in portraiture is a testament to his passion and consistency.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/81c63430-1536-43b9-ba4b-4ce3c9f4ca89) - [Video: A throwback to a beautiful watercolor portrait being created in our studio, showing the delicate process of layering colors to build skin tones.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/05f25d48-1687-479e-91c1-8eb9e9d19cca) - ![Our Professional Portrait Sketching course is designed for those who want to master the art of charcoal portraiture.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/28b5602e-3fde-4714-93a6-cdaad602b1a8) - ![We offer two professional portrait sketching courses using charcoal, designed for students who want to take their skills to an advanced level.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/9f935c0f-f975-4fc7-a36d-a7aaa2654279) - ![Our portrait courses are structured in modules, starting with foundations and moving to detailed studies of features and expression over several months.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/4ceb4f4a-a8c3-49c1-b6fc-1045a024f6de) - ![While our 48-hour course won't make you an expert overnight, it will set you on the right track towards mastery in charcoal sketching.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/7de606d2-00ed-4232-b268-c85c45ba7687) - ![A student practices the basic construction of a face, an essential step before adding details and shading in our charcoal portraiture course.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/9337e886-138f-4922-ad80-a65af40584d6) - ![A detailed study of an eye in charcoal. We focus on capturing the reflection and depth that make a portrait feel alive.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/be8ca0c5-06dc-4429-860d-a718856186ce) - ![Practice sketches of noses from different angles. Understanding the structure of each feature is key to realistic portraiture.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/718e8137-71b2-4b77-9206-6593e4eba55a) - ![A student in our charcoal course works on perspective and form exercises before tackling a full portrait.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/3bb4ddc8-8a49-4cf2-a2b3-5a92c7c5dc1b) - [Video: An instructor provides one-on-one guidance on shading techniques during a rainy day sketching session.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/3a5c4589-703b-4776-b6cb-3ed544110ffc) ## About Capturing Life: Portrait & Figure Sketching Many beginners struggle with portraits because they try to draw the 'idea' of a face rather than what is actually there. In our studio, we strip that away by teaching you to map the skull first—using the Loomis method and structural grids—so you stop guessing and start seeing the underlying anatomy that gives every portrait its weight and realism. ### Building a Portrait, Step-by-Step We believe there are no shortcuts to capturing a likeness. Whether you are working with charcoal or graphite, our approach in the Jayanagar studio is built on the fundamentals of observation. We move from abstract shapes to specific features, ensuring your hand understands the form before you worry about the detail. **What we cover in our modules:** * **Skull Structure:** Before drawing eyes or lips, we map the head. Understanding the underlying bone structure is the difference between a flat drawing and a lifelike portrait. * **Feature Placement:** Using grids and the Loomis method, we teach you how to place features so your subjects don't look distorted. * **Light & Shadow (Chiaroscuro):** You will learn to use charcoal and graphite to build volume, understanding how light falls across the planes of a face. * **Expression & Character:** Once the foundations are set, we move into figure drawing and character design, exploring how to exaggerate features to convey emotion without losing the essence of the person. ### The Gurukul Environment Our classes are not about volume; they are about focus. We limit our batches to 8–12 students. This isn't just a lecture; it is a space for constant feedback. If you are stuck on a specific shading technique or struggling with facial proportions, we sit with you to troubleshoot the stroke, not just correct the result. We provide the space—a quiet, wooden-desk environment—but the growth comes from your consistent effort. If you are ready to move from simple sketching to capturing the nuance of human emotion, we are here to help you get there. ## About Pencil and Chai We believe sketching is as much about finding your sukoon (calm) as it is about skill. Since 2011, we have guided artists in our Jayanagar studio to move past the intimidation of blank paper by focusing on the honest, foundational work that brings a portrait to life. [See all of Pencil and Chai's services](https://mytribe.in/pencilandchai) ## More from Sketching & Drawing Courses by Pencil and Chai - [Featured](https://mytribe.in/pencilandchai/sketching-drawing-courses/featured) - [Our Studio: A Space for Calm & Creativity](https://mytribe.in/pencilandchai/sketching-drawing-courses/our-studio-a-space-for-calm-creativity) - [The Foundation of Drawing](https://mytribe.in/pencilandchai/sketching-drawing-courses/the-foundation-of-drawing) - [The World in Color: Painting, Pastels & Pencils](https://mytribe.in/pencilandchai/sketching-drawing-courses/the-world-in-color-painting-pastels-pencils) - [Exploring Indian Folk Art](https://mytribe.in/pencilandchai/sketching-drawing-courses/exploring-indian-folk-art) - [Sketching in the Wild: Outdoor Sessions](https://mytribe.in/pencilandchai/sketching-drawing-courses/sketching-in-the-wild-outdoor-sessions) - [Our Gurukul: Student Journeys & Achievements](https://mytribe.in/pencilandchai/sketching-drawing-courses/our-gurukul-student-journeys-achievements) ## More services by Pencil and Chai - [Painting Courses](https://mytribe.in/pencilandchai/painting-courses) - [Indian Folk Art Workshops](https://mytribe.in/pencilandchai/indian-folk-art-workshops) ## Similar work from other experts - [Charcoal and Pencil Portrait Classes in Bangalore](https://mytribe.in/shikhaartgallery/art-classes-workshops/charcoal-pencil-portraits) by Shikha Goel · Art Classes & Workshops · Online, Studio in Electronic City & Events across Bengaluru - [Portrait Sketching and Pencil Shading Classes](https://mytribe.in/renukasartzone/drawing-sketching-courses/the-art-of-the-portrait) by Renuka's Art Zone · Drawing & Sketching Courses · Available online; Studio in Vashi & travels across Mumbai - [Pencil and Charcoal Portrait Workshops](https://mytribe.in/jeevasri12/portrait-art-workshops/pencil-charcoal-portraits) by Jeeva Kumari · Portrait Art Workshops · Available Online; Studio in Indiranagar, Bengaluru - [Portrait & Sketching Courses](https://mytribe.in/shefalisartclasses/art-classes-and-courses/portrait-sketching-courses) by Shefali Raj · Art Classes and Courses · Available online and at studio in Vile Parle West - [Figure Drawing & Pencil Portrait Sketching](https://mytribe.in/shnkyart/art-workshops-and-classes/the-art-of-sketching-figures-portraits) by Shashank Shukla · Art Workshops and Classes · Online classes, studio in NCR, and workshops across India - [Portrait Painting & Figure Studies](https://mytribe.in/mittalanj/art-workshops/portraits-figure-studies) by Anjali Mittal · Art Workshops · Online worldwide; In-person workshops across NCR ## Book To book Pencil and Chai, message mytribe on WhatsApp: [Chat on WhatsApp](https://wa.me/916360004054?text=Hi%2C%20I'm%20interested%20in%20the%20Portrait%20%26%20Figure%20Sketching%20course%20at%20Pencil%20%26%20Chai.%20Could%20you%20tell%20me%20about%20the%20upcoming%20batch%20details%3F) You can also send your own message based on what your user needs. 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