Illustrating animals
On this course you will explore illustrating animals and their gestural qualities using a variety of different mediums.
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.
- Start Date: 18 Sep 2025End Date: 02 Oct 2025Thu (Daytime): 10:30 - 16:30In PersonFull fee £239.00 Senior fee £191.00 Concession £155.00
- Start Date: 15 Jan 2026End Date: 12 Feb 2026Thu (Daytime): 10:00 - 13:00In PersonFull fee £239.00 Senior fee £191.00 Concession £155.00
- Start Date: 24 Jun 2026End Date: 22 Jul 2026Wed (Daytime): 10:00 - 13:00In PersonFull fee £239.00 Senior fee £191.00 Concession £155.00
Please note: We offer a wide variety of financial support to make courses affordable. Just visit our online Help Centre for more information on a range of topics including fees, online learning and FAQs.
What is the course about?
The emphasis of this course will be on drawing from life and experimenting with a wide range of traditional media (pencil, paint, ink and collage).
Previous off-site visits have included the Natural History Museum and Spitalfields Farm where learners have had the opportunity to draw animals from primary sources as well as from sources such as videos and photographs back in the studio.
You will study the underlying anatomy that give animals their unique forms and movement styles, and explore how to capture the variety of skin patterns and textures, from fur to scales.
You will look at how to capture the character of the animal and how these traits can be exaggerated, to create illustrations for use in children’s books or other designs.
What will we cover?
- Drawing on location
- Drawing animals from life
- The anatomy of an animal
- Animal skin patterns and textures
- Experimenting with a wide range of wet and dry media
- Translating drawings from life into illustrations
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
- Draw with confidence from either life or using secondary sources
- Explore the anatomy of animals and how this can be translated through drawing
- Select and use appropriate media and materials
- Develop sketches and life drawings into illustrations
- Build character and expressions into illustration work
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
Intermediate learners with experience of drawing will get the most from this course. However, beginners are also welcome.
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?
- Presentations
- Demonstrations
- Practical work
- Individual and group tutoring
- Group discussion
Please note that a number of sessions may take place off-site at various locations.
Additional/extension activities may be set for you to complete at home or outside of the course hours. Completion of additional tasks is encouraged to help you get the most out of the course. Where required your tutor will discuss these with you.
This course is supported by Google Classroom as a Virtual Learning Environment. When you log on you will be able to access course material, presentations, and handouts etc. and may be asked to complete learner progress records. You can find help via the student help centre on the City Lit website.
Please note it is important that you sign up and log in to your course Google classroom prior to the first session. Joining detail will be sent to you via email (check your junk/spam folder).
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
At City Lit, access to basic materials and resources are available as part of this course. We advise you to bring a A5/A4 sketchbook for the recording of ideas and an A3 folder and/or a USB drive to transport work to and from City Lit. Additional materials required as part of the course will be discussed by your tutor if required.
Need art supplies? Our partner London Graphic Centre has everything you need from pencils to printing services, at 15% off.
To get 15% LGC discount, you will need to show proof/ confirmation of enrolment and being a student at City Lit. You can apply in-store or by simply emailing info@londongraphics.co.uk with a scan or photo of relevant confirmation. Student discount does not apply to products that are already discounted or on offer. More information can be found here- https://www.londongraphics.co.uk/student-discounts/
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
We recommend looking at our range of programmes in graphic design, illustration, children’s book illustration and graphic novels.
For more information about any of the courses on offer, please visit our website.
Ciara Flood studied Visual Communications at Technological University Dublin and has over 20 years industry experience working as an illustrator, graphic designer and art director. She has worked for a wide range of clients and in different working environments; small design studios, corporate offices, fast-paced advertising agencies and also her kitchen table. Ciara has always been passionate about children’s books and her first author/illustrator picture book, Those Pesky Rabbits, was published by Temper Books in 2015. She has gone on to illustrate and/or write more children’s books published in the UK by Bonnier Books, Andersen Press, Farshore and Guppy Books. Her books have been translated into many co-editions around the world. Ciara has taught workshops in schools, libraries and various literary festivals. Most recently she has been working with The Hampshire School Chelsea as their artist in residence. Ciara believes strongly in adult education and encouraging students to develop and enjoy their creative abilities.
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.