Expressive Portraits: Drawing in Mixed Media with Unconventional Materials

Ever wanted to draw portraits but felt held back by all the rules? This workshop is your invitation to throw them out.

Join this one-day creative adventure where you’ll explore portrait drawing through expressive mark-making, playful experimentation, and unexpected tools. We’ll swap traditional pencils and brushes for weird and wonderful objects you can easily find at home—think sticks, tennis balls, spoons, masking tape, and more.

This workshop is all about loosening up, embracing accidents, and discovering exciting new ways to make art. You’ll be guided through a simple, approachable method for drawing a front-facing portrait while also exploring how to push beyond conventional techniques.

Expect to get a little messy, a lot inspired, and completely re-energised about drawing.

What You’ll Learn

• A simple, effective method for constructing a front-facing portrait

• How to use unconventional tools to create expressive marks

• Techniques for working with ink, colour, and collage

• Ways to loosen your drawing style and build confidence

• How to embrace “happy accidents” and creative discovery

What You’ll Create

By the end of the workshop, you will complete:

• One structured guideline portrait in pencil

• Multiple expressive portraits using ink and unconventional materials

You’ll leave with a collection of unique artworks, new skills, and a fresh, adventurous approach to drawing.

Who It’s For

• Absolute beginners to experienced artists

• Anyone curious about portrait drawing

• Creatives who feel stuck or want to loosen up

• People who love playful, hands-on artmaking

No prior experience needed—just a willingness to experiment and have fun.

What to Expect

• A relaxed, supportive environment

• Guided exercises and demonstrations

• Plenty of time to experiment and play

• Encouragement to develop your own expressive style

What to Bring
A detailed materials list will be sent to you after booking. Don’t worry—everything on the list will be easy to find and kept as low-cost as possible. Of course, if you feel tempted to treat yourself to some exciting new materials, I fully support that too! 😊

Workshop Details:

• Venue: Hanke Studio, Royal Art Society, North Sydney (upstairs)

• Facilities: Free onsite parking, air conditioning, toilet upstairs, kitchen for lunch storage, shops nearby for convenience

• Accessibility: The studio has stairs and is not wheelchair accessible. If you need assistance with materials upstairs, please contact me — I’m happy to help.

Morning tea will be provided.

Image: Jody Graham - ink self portrait drawn with masking tape and paper towel

What others are saying...

"I have attended many of Jody’s workshops. I can’t get enough! She is full of inspiration, generous with her knowledge and expertise, and helps you find artistic bones inside of yourself you didn’t know were there. If you want to enjoy creating art and explore exciting new ways to express yourself, you really should go to one of Jody’s workshops."
— Jackie Searson, 2025

Disclaimer and Waiver of Liability
By booking into this workshop, you agree to take full responsibility for your own safety while traveling to and from the venue, as well as during the duration of the workshop. You also agree to take responsibility for your personal belongings while attending the workshop. The workshop organizers will not be held liable for any accidents, injuries, or loss of property that may occur during your participation.