What is the course about?
On this course you will learn strategies to help you draw the figure more accurately and/or expressively. You will explore ways to approach life drawing, including the use of a variety of materials.
What will we cover?
You will be encouraged to adopt the materials and working practices of various artists, and to consider and discuss their approach and attitude to the nude. Using this structure, the course covers basics such as proportion and measurement, composition, tone and lighting, and the development of courage, energy and personal ideas. Materials used will include pencil, charcoal and pastel.
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
- draw more accurately from observation
- draw more expressively from observation
- make drawings of the figure in line and tone
- use a variety of drawing materials
- look at and take inspiration from, the work and practice of a variety of artists.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
Some drawing experience would be helpful (e.g. on the courses 'Drawing 1' or 'Introduction to Life Drawing').
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?
Short talks and slide talks, practical work, one-to-one tutoring, handouts, group discussion and demonstration.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
All drawing materials are provided. Please wear old clothes.
If you would like to buy art materials for your personal use outside of the course, City Lit students receive 10% discount off everything* from Cass Art, the UK's leading art supplies retailer. Your tutor will advise you on what you should buy. You will need to show your enrolment receipt in-store to receive your discount. Visit the Charing Cross shop at 13 Charing Cross Road WC2H 0EP or find your local shop at www.cassart.co.uk. *Terms and conditions apply, visit www.cassart.co.uk/students.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
You may wish to progress to a life painting class or to attend further classes in life drawing. Life drawings form an important part of a portfolio for access to foundation and degree courses.
There are a number of different working from life courses in the programme which you may wish to progress to, for example, VH811 Introduction to experimental life drawing with mixed media, VH854 Anatomical life and portrait drawing studio, VM536 Watercolour: life painting themes and ideas, VH883 Life drawing and painting studio, VM483 Life painting, VM485 Expressionist life painting, VM487 Drawing and painting from life: extended study or VM915 Structured life painting: beginners and intermediate.
You may wish to try your hand at sculpting from life by joining one of our Life sculpture courses, such as VU791 Clay sculpture: life and portrait.
As this life drawing course runs to the end of the third term, please check that the aforementioned courses will be running in the 1718 academic year.
General information and advice on courses at City Lit is available from the Student Centre and Library on Monday to Friday from 12:00 – 19:00.
See the course guide for term dates and further details
