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Discover the extraordinary construction of the human body. Through direct observation of the model you will examine the fundamental anatomical structures that underlie both portrait and life drawing. For those with some drawing experience.
Learning modes and locations may be different depending on the course start date. Please check the location of your chosen course and read our guide to learning modes and locations to help you choose the right course for you.
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To anatomize is to take something apart. This course aims to give you a basic grounding in how anatomical structures affect surface forms of the body and how to work this knowledge into your drawing practice.
This course focuses on both portrait and life drawing. However, the issues that effect portraiture and those that effect life drawing are somewhat different. The structure of the human head, and in particular, the face, is a broad subject in its own right. Therefore, we will spend roughly the same amount of time focusing on the head and neck, as we will on the figure as a whole.
The unifying theme will be to understand how superficial anatomical structures (i.e. bone and muscle) influence form, rotation, proportion and likeness. Emphasis will be on working from observation.
What will we cover?
- Proportion - Rotation - Weight & balance - Uniquely human anatomical characteristics - How form is dictated by underlying bony structures - How form is dictated by underlying muscle and fat - Musculature in terms of its role in gesture and motion - Individual characteristics that denote likeness.
What will I achieve? By the end of this course you should be able to...
- Differentiate between artistic and medical anatomy - Better understand proportion, rotation and balance - Draw a portrait from a variety of angles taking into account the basic anatomical structures of the head and neck - Grasp how the superficial structures expand and contract depending on their position and force exerted upon them - An improved understanding of what is going on beneath the surface of the skin that will inform the way you approach drawing form - Begin to produce life drawings with a more informed eye for human anatomy that will become more evidential as the course and your practice progresses.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
Experience of drawing from the life model would be extremely useful, although you are not expected to have any previous experience of studying anatomy.
You should be able to follow simple written and verbal instructions and also be able to take short written notes to support demonstrations and hand-outs. You will be invited to take part in group discussions, mainly in the form of “show and tell”.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
Talks, practical work, demonstrations, individual tutoring and group discussion. You will be encouraged to visit medical collections to draw from their specimens. The emphasis will be on observational drawing.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
All basic materials are provided. An A4 (or similar) sketchbook would be useful if you wish to take written or visual notes during demonstrations.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
Further life drawing and painting courses as advised by your tutor possibilities include; Portaits 1 Portraits 2 Life Drawing: a Contemporary Approach Life Drawing: an Experimental Approach Life Drawing into Painting
Andrea studied Drawing at Camberwell College and textiles at Morley College, where she also did her teacher training. She has a passion for the macabre and much of her recent practice has focused on drawing animal skulls and skeletons. She has a particular interest in comparative anatomy which led her to devise the Anatomical Life and Portrait Drawing courses at City Lit. Observational drawing is at the core of her practice and she uses it as a means of recording the world around her, be it the clutter of the studio, a music gig or a specimen in a museum. Andrea has an energetic approach to teaching. She is highly communicative and strives to create a positive group dynamic whilst being sensitive to the needs of individual students. This has been enriched by her extensive experience as a life model which she has used as a unique opportunity to observe first-hand the teaching methods and creative processes of many artists and has applied this knowledge to develop her own distinctive teaching style. Examples of her work can be found at www.instagram.com/voiseydrawing
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.
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https://www.citylit.ac.uk/anatomical-life-and-portrait-drawing150154Anatomical life and portrait drawinghttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/a/n/anatomical_lifedrawing_taraloyko_edit.jpg399399GBPInStock/Courses/Courses/Art & design/Courses/Art & design/Drawing/Courses/Art & design/Drawing/Life drawing & portraiture22851132114817531228511321148Discover the extraordinary construction of the human body. Through direct observation of the model you will examine the fundamental anatomical structures that underlie both portrait and life drawing. For those with some drawing experience. <div data-content-type="html" data-appearance="default" data-element="main">To anatomize is to 'take something apart'. This course aims to give you a basic grounding in how anatomical structures affect surface forms of the body and how to work this knowledge into your drawing practice.<br />
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This course focuses on both portrait and life drawing. However, the issues that impact portraiture and those that impact life drawing are somewhat different. The structure of the human head, and in particular, the face, is a broad subject in its own right. Therefore, we will spend an equal amount of time focusing on the head and neck, as we will on the figure as a whole.<br />
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The unifying theme will be to understand how superficial anatomical structures (i.e. bone and muscle) influence form, rotation, proportion and indeed, likeness.<br />
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On this course we will learn about the various structures that make up the figure via demonstrations, handouts and mostly from drawing directly from the model.</div>64.71172773Anatomical life and portrait drawing399399https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/a/n/anatomical_lifedrawing_taraloyko_edit_1.jpgInStockEveningTueKeeley StreetAvailable courses5-10 weeksWeekday2025-10-21T00:00:00+00:00Beginners, Some experienceOct 2025Art & designVH854399399Anatomical life and portrait drawing319259399Andrea Voiseyanatomical-life-and-portrait-drawing/vh854-2526Discover the extraordinary construction of the human body. Through direct observation of the model you will examine the fundamental anatomical structures that underlie both portrait and life drawing. For those with some drawing experience.0000-Available|2025-10-21 00:00:00To anatomize is to take something apart. This course aims to give you a basic grounding in how anatomical structures affect surface forms of the body and how to work this knowledge into your drawing practice.<br/><br/>This course focuses on both portrait and life drawing. However, the issues that effect portraiture and those that effect life drawing are somewhat different. The structure of the human head, and in particular, the face, is a broad subject in its own right. Therefore, we will spend roughly the same amount of time focusing on the head and neck, as we will on the figure as a whole.<br/><br/>The unifying theme will be to understand how superficial anatomical structures (i.e. bone and muscle) influence form, rotation, proportion and likeness. Emphasis will be on working from observation.Discover the extraordinary construction of the human body. Through direct observation of the model you will examine the fundamental anatomical structures that underlie both portrait and life drawing. For those with some drawing experience.- Proportion<br/>- Rotation<br/>- Weight & balance<br/>- Uniquely human anatomical characteristics<br/>- How form is dictated by underlying bony structures<br/>- How form is dictated by underlying muscle and fat<br/>- Musculature in terms of its role in gesture and motion<br/>- Individual characteristics that denote likeness.- Differentiate between artistic and medical anatomy<br/>- Better understand proportion, rotation and balance<br/>- Draw a portrait from a variety of angles taking into account the basic anatomical structures of the head and neck<br/>- Grasp how the superficial structures expand and contract depending on their position and force exerted upon them <br/>- An improved understanding of what is going on beneath the surface of the skin that will inform the way you approach drawing form<br/>- Begin to produce life drawings with a more informed eye for human anatomy that will become more evidential as the course and your practice progresses.Experience of drawing from the life model would be extremely useful, although you are not expected to have any previous experience of studying anatomy.<br/><br/>You should be able to follow simple written and verbal instructions and also be able to take short written notes to support demonstrations and hand-outs. You will be invited to take part in group discussions, mainly in the form of “show and tell”.Talks, practical work, demonstrations, individual tutoring and group discussion. You will be encouraged to visit medical collections to draw from their specimens. The emphasis will be on observational drawing.All basic materials are provided.<br/>An A4 (or similar) sketchbook would be useful if you wish to take written or visual notes during demonstrations.Further life drawing and painting courses as advised by your tutor possibilities include;<br/>Portaits 1<br/>Portraits 2<br/>Life Drawing: a Contemporary Approach<br/>Life Drawing: an Experimental Approach<br/>Life Drawing into Painting <br/><br/> VH753 City Lit Year of the Figure and Portrait.virtual2531581Anatomical life and portrait drawing399399https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/a/n/anatomical_lifedrawing_taraloyko_edit_14.jpgInStockEveningTueKeeley StreetAvailable courses5-10 weeksWeekday2026-02-10T00:00:00+00:00Beginners, Some experienceFeb 2026Art & designVH379399399Anatomical life and portrait drawing319259399Andrea Voiseyanatomical-life-and-portrait-drawing/vh379-2526Discover the extraordinary construction of the human body. Through direct observation of the model you will examine the fundamental anatomical structures that underlie both portrait and life drawing. For those with some drawing experience.0000-Available|2026-02-10 00:00:00To anatomize is to take something apart. This course aims to give you a basic grounding in how anatomical structures affect surface forms of the body and how to work this knowledge into your drawing practice.<br/><br/>This course focuses on both portrait and life drawing. However, the issues that effect portraiture and those that effect life drawing are somewhat different. The structure of the human head, and in particular, the face, is a broad subject in its own right. Therefore, we will spend roughly the same amount of time focusing on the head and neck, as we will on the figure as a whole.<br/><br/>The unifying theme will be to understand how superficial anatomical structures (i.e. bone and muscle) influence form, rotation, proportion and likeness. Emphasis will be on working from observation.Discover the extraordinary construction of the human body. Through direct observation of the model you will examine the fundamental anatomical structures that underlie both portrait and life drawing. For those with some drawing experience.- Proportion<br/>- Rotation<br/>- Weight & balance<br/>- Uniquely human anatomical characteristics<br/>- How form is dictated by underlying bony structures<br/>- How form is dictated by underlying muscle and fat<br/>- Musculature in terms of its role in gesture and motion<br/>- Individual characteristics that denote likeness.- Differentiate between artistic and medical anatomy<br/>- Better understand proportion, rotation and balance<br/>- Draw a portrait from a variety of angles taking into account the basic anatomical structures of the head and neck<br/>- Grasp how the superficial structures expand and contract depending on their position and force exerted upon them <br/>- An improved understanding of what is going on beneath the surface of the skin that will inform the way you approach drawing form<br/>- Begin to produce life drawings with a more informed eye for human anatomy that will become more evidential as the course and your practice progresses.Experience of drawing from the life model would be extremely useful, although you are not expected to have any previous experience of studying anatomy.<br/><br/>You should be able to follow simple written and verbal instructions and also be able to take short written notes to support demonstrations and hand-outs. You will be invited to take part in group discussions, mainly in the form of “show and tell”.Talks, practical work, demonstrations, individual tutoring and group discussion. You will be encouraged to visit medical collections to draw from their specimens. The emphasis will be on observational drawing.All basic materials are provided.<br/>An A4 (or similar) sketchbook would be useful if you wish to take written or visual notes during demonstrations.Further life drawing and painting courses as advised by your tutor possibilities include;<br/>Portaits 1<br/>Portraits 2<br/>Life Drawing: a Contemporary Approach<br/>Life Drawing: an Experimental Approach<br/>Life Drawing into Painting <br/><br/> VH753 City Lit Year of the Figure and Portrait.virtual2531587Anatomical life and portrait drawing399399https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/a/n/anatomical_lifedrawing_taraloyko_edit_15.jpgInStockEveningTueKeeley StreetAvailable courses5-10 weeksWeekday2026-04-28T00:00:00+00:00Beginners, Some experienceApr 2026Art & designVH786399399Anatomical life and portrait drawing319259399Andrea Voiseyanatomical-life-and-portrait-drawing/vh786-2526Discover the extraordinary construction of the human body. Through direct observation of the model you will examine the fundamental anatomical structures that underlie both portrait and life drawing. For those with some drawing experience.0000-Available|2026-04-28 00:00:00To anatomize is to take something apart. This course aims to give you a basic grounding in how anatomical structures affect surface forms of the body and how to work this knowledge into your drawing practice.<br/><br/>This course focuses on both portrait and life drawing. However, the issues that effect portraiture and those that effect life drawing are somewhat different. The structure of the human head, and in particular, the face, is a broad subject in its own right. Therefore, we will spend roughly the same amount of time focusing on the head and neck, as we will on the figure as a whole.<br/><br/>The unifying theme will be to understand how superficial anatomical structures (i.e. bone and muscle) influence form, rotation, proportion and likeness. Emphasis will be on working from observation.Discover the extraordinary construction of the human body. Through direct observation of the model you will examine the fundamental anatomical structures that underlie both portrait and life drawing. For those with some drawing experience.- Proportion<br/>- Rotation<br/>- Weight & balance<br/>- Uniquely human anatomical characteristics<br/>- How form is dictated by underlying bony structures<br/>- How form is dictated by underlying muscle and fat<br/>- Musculature in terms of its role in gesture and motion<br/>- Individual characteristics that denote likeness.- Differentiate between artistic and medical anatomy<br/>- Better understand proportion, rotation and balance<br/>- Draw a portrait from a variety of angles taking into account the basic anatomical structures of the head and neck<br/>- Grasp how the superficial structures expand and contract depending on their position and force exerted upon them <br/>- An improved understanding of what is going on beneath the surface of the skin that will inform the way you approach drawing form<br/>- Begin to produce life drawings with a more informed eye for human anatomy that will become more evidential as the course and your practice progresses.Experience of drawing from the life model would be extremely useful, although you are not expected to have any previous experience of studying anatomy.<br/><br/>You should be able to follow simple written and verbal instructions and also be able to take short written notes to support demonstrations and hand-outs. You will be invited to take part in group discussions, mainly in the form of “show and tell”.Talks, practical work, demonstrations, individual tutoring and group discussion. You will be encouraged to visit medical collections to draw from their specimens. The emphasis will be on observational drawing.All basic materials are provided.<br/>An A4 (or similar) sketchbook would be useful if you wish to take written or visual notes during demonstrations.Further life drawing and painting courses as advised by your tutor possibilities include;<br/>Portaits 1<br/>Portraits 2<br/>Life Drawing: a Contemporary Approach<br/>Life Drawing: an Experimental Approach<br/>Life Drawing into Painting <br/><br/> VH753 City Lit Year of the Figure and Portrait.virtual319399259VH854,VH379,VH786NONETue21/10/25 - 09/12/2518:00 - 21:0018:0021:008 sessions (over 8 weeks)85-10 weeksEveningWeekdayKSKeeley StreetAndrea VoiseyBeginners, Some experienceAvailable courses2025-10-21T00:00:00+00:00,2026-02-10T00:00:00+00:00,2026-04-28T00:00:00+00:00Oct 2025,Feb 2026,Apr 2026Art & design399399Anatomical life and portrait drawinganatomical-life-and-portrait-drawing/vh854-2526,anatomical-life-and-portrait-drawing/vh379-2526,anatomical-life-and-portrait-drawing/vh786-2526Discover the extraordinary construction of the human body. Through direct observation of the model you will examine the fundamental anatomical structures that underlie both portrait and life drawing. For those with some drawing experience.0000-Available|2025-10-21 00:00:00To anatomize is to take something apart. This course aims to give you a basic grounding in how anatomical structures affect surface forms of the body and how to work this knowledge into your drawing practice.<br/><br/>This course focuses on both portrait and life drawing. However, the issues that effect portraiture and those that effect life drawing are somewhat different. The structure of the human head, and in particular, the face, is a broad subject in its own right. Therefore, we will spend roughly the same amount of time focusing on the head and neck, as we will on the figure as a whole.<br/><br/>The unifying theme will be to understand how superficial anatomical structures (i.e. bone and muscle) influence form, rotation, proportion and likeness. Emphasis will be on working from observation.Discover the extraordinary construction of the human body. Through direct observation of the model you will examine the fundamental anatomical structures that underlie both portrait and life drawing. For those with some drawing experience.- Proportion<br/>- Rotation<br/>- Weight &amp; balance<br/>- Uniquely human anatomical characteristics<br/>- How form is dictated by underlying bony structures<br/>- How form is dictated by underlying muscle and fat<br/>- Musculature in terms of its role in gesture and motion<br/>- Individual characteristics that denote likeness.- Differentiate between artistic and medical anatomy<br/>- Better understand proportion, rotation and balance<br/>- Draw a portrait from a variety of angles taking into account the basic anatomical structures of the head and neck<br/>- Grasp how the superficial structures expand and contract depending on their position and force exerted upon them <br/>- An improved understanding of what is going on beneath the surface of the skin that will inform the way you approach drawing form<br/>- Begin to produce life drawings with a more informed eye for human anatomy that will become more evidential as the course and your practice progresses.Experience of drawing from the life model would be extremely useful, although you are not expected to have any previous experience of studying anatomy.<br/><br/>You should be able to follow simple written and verbal instructions and also be able to take short written notes to support demonstrations and hand-outs. You will be invited to take part in group discussions, mainly in the form of “show and tell”.Talks, practical work, demonstrations, individual tutoring and group discussion. You will be encouraged to visit medical collections to draw from their specimens. The emphasis will be on observational drawing.All basic materials are provided.<br/>An A4 (or similar) sketchbook would be useful if you wish to take written or visual notes during demonstrations.Further life drawing and painting courses as advised by your tutor possibilities include;<br/>Portaits 1<br/>Portraits 2<br/>Life Drawing: a Contemporary Approach<br/>Life Drawing: an Experimental Approach<br/>Life Drawing into Painting <br/><br/> VH753 City Lit Year of the Figure and Portrait.configurable
