Life drawing for beginners

This short course is a great introduction to drawing directly from the nude model, both male and female. Using simple exercises, you will explore different ways to represent the human form in drawing, with encouraging, helpful guidance from an experienced tutor. Suitable for absolute beginners.

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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: 14 Jan 2027
    End Date: 21 Jan 2027
    Thu (Daytime): 10:00 - 17:00
    In Person
    Location: Keeley Street
    Duration: 2 sessions (over 2 weeks)
    Course Code: VH406
    Full fee £249.00 Senior fee £199.00 Concession £162.00
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  • Start Date: 29 Jun 2027
    End Date: 06 Jul 2027
    Tue (Daytime): 10:00 - 17:00
    In Person
    Location: Keeley Street
    Duration: 2 sessions (over 2 weeks)
    Course Code: VH133
    Tutors:  Luke Jones
    Full fee £249.00 Senior fee £199.00 Concession £162.00
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Book your place
In stock
SKU
246911
Full fee £249.00 Senior fee £199.00 Concession £162.00

What is the course about?

Working with a variety of models, you will be shown how to draw volume using light and shadow, and ways to measure proportion. You will be investigating drawing with pencil and charcoal: traditional materials for life drawing.
Drawing from standing, sitting and reclining poses you will begin to practise the basic skills needed to represent the body.

What will we cover?

Through observation of the life model you will focus on studying proportion of the body and the use of tone and line using different approaches. You will look at the different properties of charcoal and pencil and experience how your drawings can change dependant on the materials used.

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

- Start to draw from life with an effective use of the materials
- Explore tone or proportion to represent the human forms effectively
- Extend your skill in drawing by direct observation of the nude figure
- Gain confidence to progress to further drawing.

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

It would be helpful, but not essential, if you have already done some basic drawing of simple objects either on a course, or in your own time. This is an introduction to working directly from life, from the nude figure, both male and female.

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

Practical work in the studio, with an introduction to each session, and some demonstration by the tutor. Individual tutoring with regular feedback and some brief discussion in the group. Work outside the class is optional. Self-reflection is an important part of learning in art education and creative practice. You will be encouraged to engage with reflecting on your own work and progress as part of the learning process in Visual Arts.

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

All materials are included.

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

Your tutor will discuss progression to further courses, there are many life drawing and painting courses available including Anatomical Life and Portrait Studio, Life Drawing into Life Painting

Henry Gibbons Guy 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.