Drawing 1

96% of 100

A comprehensive introduction to drawing from observation in a studio environment. Learn how to depict form and space with accuracy, training your eye to become more sensitive to what you see. Suitable for beginners.

Choose a starting date

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.

10 Dates Available

  • Start Date: 07 Sep 2026
    End Date: 16 Nov 2026
    This course is full
    Mon (Daytime): 14:00 - 17:00
    In Person
    Location: Keeley Street
    Duration: 10 sessions (over 11 weeks)
    Course Code: VH410
    Tutors:  Brian Sayers
    Full fee £479.00 Senior fee £383.00 Concession £311.00
  • Start Date: 25 Sep 2026
    End Date: 04 Dec 2026
    This course is full
    Fri (Daytime): 14:00 - 17:00
    In Person
    Location: Keeley Street
    Duration: 10 sessions (over 11 weeks)
    Course Code: VH408
    Tutors:  Tony Hull
    Full fee £479.00 Senior fee £383.00 Concession £311.00
  • Start Date: 06 Oct 2026
    End Date: 08 Dec 2026
    This course is full
    Tue (Evening): 18:00 - 21:00
    In Person
    Location: Keeley Street
    Duration: 10 sessions (over 10 weeks)
    Course Code: VH674
    Tutors:  Kim Scouller
    Full fee £479.00 Senior fee £383.00 Concession £311.00
  • Start Date: 04 Nov 2026
    End Date: 02 Dec 2026
    Wed (Daytime): 10:00 - 17:00
    In Person
    Location: Keeley Street
    Duration: 5 sessions (over 5 weeks)
    Course Code: VH413
    Tutors:  Ruth Brison
    Full fee £479.00 Senior fee £383.00 Concession £311.00
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Out of stock
SKU
246774
Full fee £479.00 Senior fee £383.00 Concession £311.00

What is the course about?

Drawing 1 will guide you through the principles of working from observation, covering key drawing concepts, including line, tone, form, spatial relationships and composition. Explore different methods of mark-making, using a range of materials including pencil, charcoal and chalks, and begin to experience drawing as an investigative activity capable of changing the way you see the world. Relevant examples of work from artists will be discussed in relation to the drawings you are making.

What will we cover?

  • Using the components of drawing - line, tone and mark-making - to represent form with accuracy.
  • Different methods of measurement and visual comparison, to support working from observation.
  • Combining skills learned, to investigate composition and spatial relationships.
  • How to look at, and learn from, the work of other artists and practitioners.
  • Active reflection on your own progress and learning.

What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...

• Use a range of drawing techniques to record subjects accurately from observation.
• Begin to make compositional decisions to determine spatial relationships.
• Recognise hand and eye co-ordination as something personal as you develop a drawing.
• Identify drawing methods and approaches used by a range of relevant artists.
• Reflect on your learning in the context of making a drawing.

What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?

This is a course for beginners, no experience is necessary. It is ideal for those new to drawing from observation in a studio environment.

You should be able to follow verbal and written instructions, demonstrations, hand-outs and health and safety information. You may be encouraged to take short written notes for your own use and take part in group discussions.

How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?

• Practical work in the studio
• Demonstrations
• Presentations and handouts
• Individual and group tutoring
• Group discussion
 

Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?

Basic drawing materials and resources are provided as part of this course, including paper, pencils, charcoal. Students are welcome to bring any additional specialist materials.
 

When I've finished, what course can I do next?

Drawing 1 is the first step on the year-long drawing programme at City Lit, a 90-hour programme over 3 terms that can be started at any point in the year. Your tutor will advise on the next progression courses, including Drawing 2 and Drawing 3.

A range of courses at City Lit to consider include Drawing into Painting, Drawing from Plants and Flower s and Drawing into Watercolour painting.

Brian Sayers See more See less
Tony Hull Tutor Website See more See less
Kim Scouller See more See less
Ruth Brison See more See less
Andrea Voisey Tutor Website See more See less
Eleanor Bedlow Tutor Website See more See less
Amanda Bracken Tutor Website See more See less
Sisetta Zappone See more See less
Luke Jones See more See less

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.