Art Classes & Workshops
Learn to draw realistic portraits — even if you've never picked up a pencil before.
Dublin artist Alan Keane has been teaching graphite drawing and portrait techniques to adults of all abilities for years. Whether you're a complete beginner curious about drawing, a hobbyist looking to sharpen your skills, or an experienced artist wanting to learn a specific technique, there's a class or workshop here for you.
All classes take place in a relaxed, encouraging atmosphere — with great music, good coffee, and one simple goal: leaving with a drawing you're genuinely proud of.
Private One-to-One Drawing ClassesAlan's private classes are ideal if you prefer learning at your own pace, want focused personal attention, or have a specific skill you'd like to develop. Classes take place in Alan's private studio in Foxrock, Dublin 18, and are available on weekdays and selected weekends.
What you'll learn:
Key details:
Weekend Workshops – United Arts Club, DublinSeveral times a year, Alan runs weekend workshops at the beautiful United Arts Club in the heart of Georgian Dublin. These are immersive, intensive sessions with a maximum of eight participants — small enough that everyone gets individual attention, sociable enough to make it a genuinely enjoyable weekend away from the everyday.
Past workshops have covered graphite portraiture, charcoal drawing and acrylic still life painting. Every workshop is structured so that all students — regardless of experience — complete a finished piece by the end of the weekend.
Key details:
Can I Give a Class as a Gift? Absolutely — art classes make a thoughtful, original gift for a birthday, Christmas, Mother's Day or any special occasion. Gift vouchers can be arranged for both private classes and workshops. Get in touch to arrange one.
Frequently Asked Questions
I'm not a good drawer — will I be able to manage? Yes. Alan's teaching method was specifically developed for adults with no prior drawing experience. Every student who has completed the course has walked away with a finished portrait they're proud of. The technique is learnable — that's the whole point.
What's the difference between the private classes and the weekend workshop? Private classes are one-to-one, ongoing, and tailored entirely to you. The weekend workshops are small group sessions — a more sociable format with a fixed programme over two days. Both are suitable for all levels.
Do I need to bring anything? Nothing at all. All materials — pencils, paper, references and equipment — are provided. Just show up.
How quickly will I see results? Most students are amazed at what they produce in their very first session. The weekend workshops are designed so that everyone takes home a completed piece by Sunday afternoon.
Are classes suitable for older adults or people who haven't studied art before? Absolutely. Alan's students range widely in age and background. The atmosphere is calm, relaxed and non-competitive — there's no art school pressure here.
Where exactly are the private classes held? In Alan's private studio in Foxrock, Dublin 18 — a comfortable, relaxed space with great music and good coffee and free off-street parking.
I have a question not answered here. Call Alan on 086 255 2418 or send an email — he'll get back to you promptly.
What Students Say"I never thought I was going to be capable of drawing a portrait, but at the end of the course I managed to do so. It was incredible." — Cristian Leon
"I learnt more about paper and the sensitivities of pencils in 1 hour than I ever learnt in Art college." — Laura Truman
"Alan opened my eyes to the possibilities. No matter what your skill level, if you follow his technique you will surprise and surpass yourself." — Clare M.
"My finished portrait is a miracle!" — M. O'Brien
"I will miss the weekend. This is a must-do course." — Derek Judge
Read all student testimonials →
Ready to Book? Private classes: Contact Alan to check availability and book your first session. Workshops: Register your interest below to be notified of upcoming dates.
📞 086 255 2418 ✉️ Email Alan →
Learn to draw realistic portraits — even if you've never picked up a pencil before.
Dublin artist Alan Keane has been teaching graphite drawing and portrait techniques to adults of all abilities for years. Whether you're a complete beginner curious about drawing, a hobbyist looking to sharpen your skills, or an experienced artist wanting to learn a specific technique, there's a class or workshop here for you.
All classes take place in a relaxed, encouraging atmosphere — with great music, good coffee, and one simple goal: leaving with a drawing you're genuinely proud of.
Private One-to-One Drawing ClassesAlan's private classes are ideal if you prefer learning at your own pace, want focused personal attention, or have a specific skill you'd like to develop. Classes take place in Alan's private studio in Foxrock, Dublin 18, and are available on weekdays and selected weekends.
What you'll learn:
- The fundamentals of tonal drawing — light, shadow, depth and volume
- How to render realistic skin texture and hair using a layered graphite approach
- Tonal value relationships and working with contrast to create visual balance
- Alan's signature sculpting technique — the same method he uses for his own commissioned portraits
- How to work from a photographic reference to produce a highly realistic result
Key details:
- 1.5-hour sessions, available weekdays and some weekends
- Tuition fee: €50 per session
- Fully private — one teacher, one student
- All materials supplied
- Suitable for all adults, complete beginners to advanced
- Studio located in Foxrock, Dublin 18
Weekend Workshops – United Arts Club, DublinSeveral times a year, Alan runs weekend workshops at the beautiful United Arts Club in the heart of Georgian Dublin. These are immersive, intensive sessions with a maximum of eight participants — small enough that everyone gets individual attention, sociable enough to make it a genuinely enjoyable weekend away from the everyday.
Past workshops have covered graphite portraiture, charcoal drawing and acrylic still life painting. Every workshop is structured so that all students — regardless of experience — complete a finished piece by the end of the weekend.
Key details:
- Maximum 8 participants — book early to avoid disappointment
- Suitable for all adults, beginners to advanced
- All materials supplied — bring nothing but yourself
- Take away a fully finished painting at the end
- To book: email Alan or call 086 255 2418
Can I Give a Class as a Gift? Absolutely — art classes make a thoughtful, original gift for a birthday, Christmas, Mother's Day or any special occasion. Gift vouchers can be arranged for both private classes and workshops. Get in touch to arrange one.
Frequently Asked Questions
I'm not a good drawer — will I be able to manage? Yes. Alan's teaching method was specifically developed for adults with no prior drawing experience. Every student who has completed the course has walked away with a finished portrait they're proud of. The technique is learnable — that's the whole point.
What's the difference between the private classes and the weekend workshop? Private classes are one-to-one, ongoing, and tailored entirely to you. The weekend workshops are small group sessions — a more sociable format with a fixed programme over two days. Both are suitable for all levels.
Do I need to bring anything? Nothing at all. All materials — pencils, paper, references and equipment — are provided. Just show up.
How quickly will I see results? Most students are amazed at what they produce in their very first session. The weekend workshops are designed so that everyone takes home a completed piece by Sunday afternoon.
Are classes suitable for older adults or people who haven't studied art before? Absolutely. Alan's students range widely in age and background. The atmosphere is calm, relaxed and non-competitive — there's no art school pressure here.
Where exactly are the private classes held? In Alan's private studio in Foxrock, Dublin 18 — a comfortable, relaxed space with great music and good coffee and free off-street parking.
I have a question not answered here. Call Alan on 086 255 2418 or send an email — he'll get back to you promptly.
What Students Say"I never thought I was going to be capable of drawing a portrait, but at the end of the course I managed to do so. It was incredible." — Cristian Leon
"I learnt more about paper and the sensitivities of pencils in 1 hour than I ever learnt in Art college." — Laura Truman
"Alan opened my eyes to the possibilities. No matter what your skill level, if you follow his technique you will surprise and surpass yourself." — Clare M.
"My finished portrait is a miracle!" — M. O'Brien
"I will miss the weekend. This is a must-do course." — Derek Judge
Read all student testimonials →
Ready to Book? Private classes: Contact Alan to check availability and book your first session. Workshops: Register your interest below to be notified of upcoming dates.
📞 086 255 2418 ✉️ Email Alan →
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