Explore traditional and less traditional methods of drawing simple objects. Using structured activities, you will be introduced to key concepts such as line, tone, composition and mark making. Ideal if you have little or no drawing experience; a great way to learn the basics or prepare for longer courses.
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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This course enables students with little or no experience to explore the activity of drawing at a basic level, from
initial experimental mark-making to simple use of tone and composition.
What previous students liked most about their course:
"A great start for a beginner! Felt encouraged and supported."
"Atmosphere. Ability to try something new in a safe environment."
"Learning something creative and getting plenty of encouragement."
What will we cover?
The course starts with experimentation into mark-making and its effects. You will move on to explore the
representation of basic forms and the effect of light on them, considering basic tone and composition in the
process.
What will I achieve? By the end of this course you should be able to...
• Show a basic understanding of the use and effects of a variety of drawing materials.
• Show a basic understanding of tone and composition.
• Be able to use drawing to investigate varied subject matter.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
The course is aimed at those with no or little previous drawing experience.
You should be able to follow simple written and verbal instructions, demonstrations, hand-outs and health and safety information, and will be invited to take part in group discussion.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
• Practical work in the studio.
• Short demonstrations.
• One-to–one tutoring.
• Group discussion.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
All materials and resources are provided as part of this course, including drawing media and paper.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
The course will enable you to embark on the next level drawing courses such as 'Drawing 1', 'Drawing: charcoal
techniques', 'Sketchbooks: materials and techniques' as well as Life and Portrait drawing courses.
Sam Hanner is a contemporary artist and educator living and working in london. He studied BA Fine Art at Goldsmiths, University of London and graduated from the MA Painting course at the Royal College of Art in 2021. He has previously worked at the Royal Drawing School and The King's Foundation where he is currently a core tutor on the Foundation Diploma in Fine and Applied Art. He started working at City Lit in September 2024 having studied towards a PGCE in Further Education. He is motivated by faciliitating a process based dialogue with students of Fine Art, Painting and Drawing and enabling their practices to flourish. Their practice revolves around Painting and Drawing and investigates the place of these practices in the world today, and as a discipline within contemporary art. Previous projects and exhibitions have explored the history and future of wetlands in the UK, specifically the Fens, where he completed a three month artist residency. Sam has worked as a scenic artist for theatre, opera and ballet, a studio technician and an art installer and brings this technical knowledge and experience to his work and his workshops.
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
Begona Morea RoySee moreSee less
We’re sorry. We don’t have a bio ready for the tutor of this class at the moment, but we’re working on it! Watch this space.
Steve WrightSee moreSee less
Steve is a London-based painter and art tutor. He has worked in adult education since 2012, developing a wide range of courses in drawing and painting that balance technical skills with an openness to individual ways of working. He is skilled at finding both strengths and areas to improve in a student’s work and in communicating this in a supportive way to individual learners. Steve studied Painting at Wimbledon School of Art and Newcastle University, completing his MA in 2001. His own painting practice informs his teaching and he likes to share some of his drawings, paintings and working methods with students. Steve’s work is included in several public and private collections and has featured in numerous solo and group exhibitions. www.stevewqrightart.com
Eleanor develops precarious and fragile forms through drawing, painting and sculpture. The abstracted forms of the sculptures are heavily influenced by drawings of architecture, organic forms and landscape. The work questions the interconnection between personal identity and place. Eleanor spent her formative years in Japan before moving to London. She completed the Drawing Year at the Royal Drawing School in 2008 and the Turps Art School’s Studio Programme in 2018. She has been teaching since 2008. Website: www.elbedlow.co.uk Instagram: @eleanorbedlow
Joe Richardson is a multi-disciplinary artist working in painting, drawing, collage, video, print and sculpture. Since graduating from his MA in Fine Art at Central Saint Martins in 2018, Joe has worked regularly taught at Foundation and Undergraduate level as well as working with Under 18s. Joe is dedicated to encouraging learners to discover new creative approaches to making, exploring their own interests in relation to art and design, and teaching methods and techniques that help to form the foundation of students' creative careers. Joe has undertaken residencies in Beijing, China and Stokkoya, Norway to develop his collaborative and flexible practice. He currently has a permanent collection of video works on display at Universal Music, Four Pancras Square, and has recently held a solo show at CineWindow Winsford and a duo exhibition at FIVE YEARS, London.
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.