Expressive Portrait Drawing in Charcoal with Natalie Voelker
Schedule
Sat, 15 Nov, 2025 at 10:00 am to Sun, 16 Nov, 2025 at 04:00 pm
UTC-07:00Location
Harwood Art Center | Albuquerque, NM
About this Event
Have you wanted to draw faces but been unsure of where to start or how to capture a likeness? Whether you have previous drawing experience or not, this class will teach you fresh ways of seeing and skills for drawing a human face with confidence. Drawing is a skill that be can be learned through structured practice. We'll learn how to use basic drawing materials (charcoal) for maximum ease and effect, break down the structure of the face into simpler components, hone our observation skills by practicing new ways of seeing, and develop confidence in our ability to draw what we see. While developing a discerning eye is important to drawing accuracy, negative self-talk can get in the way of doing our best work. A compassionate and encouraging environment invites you to relax and enjoy the experience of drawing as you expand your skills. This class will teach you a fun and expressive structured process for making a portrait drawing in charcoal – working from both a live model and photo reference. You'll leave with a completed portrait drawing and an understanding of how to enjoy the process of drawing itself.
When
Saturday & Sunday, 10a-4p
November 15 & 16
Where
This class will be indoors in our Dining Hall in the main Harwood Building; 1114 7th St. NW 87102.
Accessibility: Harwood is a 1925 registered historic building. The Dining Hall is fully ADA accessible, via a ramp to our main entrance. Access to the darkroom is limited. From our main entrance the darkroom is accessible via two sets of stairs; from a private entrance, available upon request, accessible via one set of stairs. General parking is available on the South side of the building in a lit lot; accessible parking is reserved in front of the main entrance. Armless chairs are available in the Dining Hall. Bathroom access is down the hall from the Dining Hall.
Who
YOU are welcome!
This class is open to adults ages 18 and up, teens under the age of 18 with parent permission (please email [email protected]). This workshop is appropriate for people of all experience levels.
What to Bring
NOTE : a $15 model fee is included in the class registration fee
- vine charcoal sticks - 1 pack, (thin ones)
- Peel and Sketch charcoal pencils - 1 medium and/or 1 soft
- sandpaper - fine grit for sharpening pencils
- kneaded eraser
- Pentel click eraser/mechanical eraser - 1 regular size (and a skinny one too if you can find it)
- drawing board 24 x 26 - (or masonite panel cut to same size)
- painters tape - the cheep blue kind works well
- drawing paper, 18x24 - Stonehenge rag paper or Strathmore 400 Series or similar (drawing paper, NOT sketch paper)
- newsprint or large scrap paper for padding your drawing surface
Illness Policy
If you are feeling ill, please do not come to this class. This class is held in a large indoor space, participants are welcome to wear masks.
Questions?
If you have any questions please email [email protected]
Refund Policy
Class Fee refunds will be issued on a case-by-case basis, Harwood will retain a 10% administrative fee. Requests must be emailed to Hallee ([email protected]) at least ten days prior to the start date of the class.
The Class Fees will not be refunded if students request to withdraw from the workshop less than ten days before the start date of the class or after the class has begun.
If the class is canceled by Harwood Art Center for any reason, Harwood will offer you two options: either refund the Class Fee in full OR issue a class credit in the full amount paid to be used within a year towards a Harwood Art School workshop.
About the Teaching Artist:
A Helene Wurlitzer Foundation fellow and international BP Portrait Award exhibitor, Natalie Voelker (she/her) has been drawing and painting people for more than 20 years. She has a BFA from the University of Wisconsin.
Website : nataliedvoelker.com
Where is it happening?
Harwood Art Center, 1114 7th Street Northwest, Albuquerque, United StatesEvent Location & Nearby Stays:
USD 150.00 to USD 180.00
