Zin Lim's
Expressive Portrait Drawing Workshop
Lecture Notes
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For beginners to advanced.
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Serialized by chapter
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Continued Updates
Learn expressive portrait in charcoal from the instructor, Zin Lim's workshop lecture notes include all the lecture contents, references, multiple demos and assignments!
CHAPTER 2
TONE
Subscribe 'TONE' note. Then, you will be able to -
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draw a 3-dimensional head.
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create incredible abstract textures.
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have a strong foundation for the next stage: EDGE.
Expressive
Embrace Expression, Not Just Precision
While representational art, such as realism, focuses on capturing the faithful likeness of the subject, expressionism takes a different path. It's about channeling the artist's inner thoughts and emotions into the artwork, giving rise to a distinctive visual language unique to each creator. In our workshop, we'll guide you on the journey of 'How to Express,' emphasizing the power of emotion and individuality in your artistic endeavors, rather than simply refining technical skills. 🎨✨🗣️
Workshops
Discover the Nuances of Impressionist and Expressionist Arts!
While there are ample resources to master the fine pencil details of realistic portraits, avenues to delve into the free-flowing strokes of impressionist or expressionist portraits using charcoal remain scarce.
Enter Zin Lim's 'Expressive Portrait Workshop'. Launched in 2017, this workshop was initiated upon the requests of artists and educational institutions from diverse global cities. Dive deep into Zin Lim's signature techniques in charcoal drawing and oil painting. Proudly hosted in over 60 cities across 25 countries, this workshop has become a global sensation.
Regular venues for the workshop span Tuscany, Scottsdale, London, Seoul, Dubai, San Francisco, and even online platforms. Join us and harness the power of expressive portraiture! 🎨✍️🌍
Why This Workshop & the "Line" Note Matter
Experience Level: Beginner to Professional
This workshop revolves around the foundational element of all art: the line. The accompanying "Line" note distills the core concepts and techniques that participants explore in our live, hands-on workshops. It is designed to help you capture the essence of what makes drawing with lines so expressive and powerful.
Whether you are an art enthusiast, student, or seasoned professional, this workshop—and the note that accompanies it—offers invaluable insights into the creative and observational principles we emphasize during in-person sessions. The note serves as a concise guide to the transformative process of moving from simple lines to expressive and painterly approaches, mirroring the techniques we teach on-site.
Through the workshop, you will gain not only technical skills but also a new perspective on how to observe, interpret, and express emotion through line work. The "Line" note is a reflection of this learning journey, crafted to reinforce the hands-on experience of live classes and to help you continue refining your skills long after the workshop is over.
If you’re looking to take the first step toward mastering expressive art, this workshop and the "Line" note together provide everything you need to start building your foundation.
Workshop Notes
Learn easily with visual lecture notes!
Unlock the Complete Expressive Portrait Workshop Experience!
Dive into a comprehensive collection of lectures, references, and demonstrations from our Expressive Portrait Workshop. We've added exclusive content like in-depth art theories, assignments, and members-only videos, which often can't be covered during our live workshops due to time limits.
Kickstart your journey with the first chapter on charcoal drawing, focusing on the theme of 'LINE'. Subsequent notes explore themes like value, edge, space, and more. Organized in a progressive step-by-step manner, you can effortlessly follow and learn at your own pace. ✏️🎨🖼️
Q&A
with instructor, Zin Lim
Q: Why choose a 'web note' format over a traditional 'video' or a book?
A: We're dedicated to ensuring our content remains fresh and relevant. We can seamlessly update our insights, artistic approach, and related course materials with the' web note' format. Plus, enjoy the flexibility of both videos and written content combined! 📖✨🎥
CHAPTER 1: The Art of the Line
Every drawing begins with a line, but its potential goes far beyond the surface. In this workshop, you will embark on a transformative journey, starting with a new understanding of the line. Discover how this fundamental element lays the groundwork for expanding techniques and shifting to more refined methods of observation—key steps toward mastering expressive portraiture.
This first chapter introduces "Line" as both the foundation and the gateway to more advanced artistic exploration. Through structured lessons and engaging exercises, you’ll develop the ability to create impactful, evocative drawings while building essential skills for expressive art.
Guided by Zin Lim—an experienced instructor with over 12 years of teaching portrait art at the Academy of Art University in San Francisco—you’ll gain confidence in using charcoal, one of the most intuitive and versatile drawing mediums. This workshop offers not just technical expertise but also the inspiration to elevate your art, whether you’re just starting or seeking to refine your skills.
Portrait Drawing Workshop Notes
CHAPTER 1
LINE
CONTENTS
1. Preparation: Material, mindset, warming-up.
2. How to make various lines with a charcoal?
3. Arranging hatching lines.
4. Various types of Base Lines.
5. Contour drawing.
6. Gesture drawing.
7. How to draw characteristic gesture drawing?
INCLUDED
1. All lecture notes of the workshops.
2. References of presentation and examples.
3. Multiple (Subscriber-Only) demo videos.