Explore imaginative, dynamic approaches to painting the figure using a variety of approaches: be inspired by new ways of seeing and access innovative ways of approaching your life painting. Suitable for those with some previous life drawing experience.
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.
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.
This course presents an innovative and exploratory approach to life painting. You will be invited to identify the value of both analytical and experimental approaches and the relationship between them in the painting process. Explore the role of spontaneity, perception and empathy in creating paintings that express clarity, 'aliveness' and a sense of meaning. This course is ideal as a companion to more traditional life drawing and painting courses and is suitable for those with experience in life drawing who wish to refresh their practice or stimulate new ways of working.
What will we cover?
During the course you will explore a range of ways to stimulate a fresh and innovative response to painting the Figure from life. There will be guided exercises enabling you to develop a deeper understanding of painting and the value of expressive mark-making, composition, imaginative use of colour and the role of imagination. You will engage with a broad variety of painting approaches to inspire new directions. You will find inspiration in a range of artists’ work, as references to the specific exercises. You will be introduced to ways of evaluating your work and making informed decisions regarding its development.
What will I achieve? By the end of this course you should be able to...
- Employ a variety of different methods and approaches to sustain & refresh your life painting practice - Experiment and take risks and employ both analytical and intuitive approaches - Appraise your own work and the work of others
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
This course is suitable for those students with some life drawing experience who wish to develop new experimental approaches to painting from the life model
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
Tutors talks, group discussion, 1:1 support. Homework tasks are optional
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
All basic materials are included. You may want to bring your own brushes/canvas - tutor will advise
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
This course will feed into Life Drawing and Life Painting courses at all levels including
Life Painting: Expressionist Approaches
Life Painting: Focus on Light and Shade
Year of the Figure and Portrait for the more committed student (day and evening options)
Ruth has taught drawing, painting and mixed media for more than 30 years, at many levels including Further, Higher and Adult Education, all over the country, including Manchester, Birmingham and London. She studied Fine Art at Liverpool and Birmingham Universities and has exhibited diversely, including the Royal Academy in London. As an artist and educator she has an eclectic mix of skills and interests. Drawing is pivotal. Mixed media has become a central focus over the years and her practice has developed towards the interface between Fine Art and Textiles where elements of painting, relief and experimental textiles meet. Coming from a background of accomplished artists and educators’ she has spent many years developing values in educational practice and enabling students to access their own creative potential.
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.
product
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Suitable for those with some previous life drawing experience.</p>002534956Life painting: experimental approaches259259https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/v/h/vh498_life_paint_experimental_approaches-1024_5.jpgInStockDaytimeThuKeeley StreetAvailable courses5-10 weeksWeekday2026-06-04T00:00:00+00:00Some experienceJun 2026Art & designVH462259259Life painting: experimental approaches207168259Ruth Brisonlife-painting-experimental-approaches/vh462-2526<p>Explore imaginative, dynamic approaches to painting the figure using a variety of approaches: be inspired by new ways of seeing and access innovative ways of approaching your life painting. Suitable for those with some previous life drawing experience.</p>0000-Available|2026-06-04 00:00:00<p>This course presents an innovative and exploratory approach to life painting. You will be invited<br/>to identify the value of both analytical and experimental approaches and the relationship between them in the<br/>painting process. Explore the role of spontaneity, perception and empathy in creating paintings that express clarity, 'aliveness' and a sense of meaning. This course is ideal as a companion to more traditional life drawing and painting courses and is suitable for those with experience in life drawing who wish to refresh their practice or stimulate new ways of working.</p><p>Explore imaginative, dynamic approaches to painting the figure using a variety of approaches: be inspired by new ways of seeing and access innovative ways of approaching your life painting. Suitable for those with some previous life drawing experience.</p><p>During the course you will explore a range of ways to stimulate a fresh and innovative response to painting the<br/>Figure from life.<br/>There will be guided exercises enabling you to develop a deeper understanding of painting and the value of<br/>expressive mark-making, composition, imaginative use of colour and the role of imagination. You will engage with a broad variety of painting approaches to inspire new directions. You will find inspiration in a range of<br/>artists’ work, as references to the specific exercises. You will be introduced to ways of evaluating your work and<br/>making informed decisions regarding its development.</p><p><br/>- Employ a variety of different methods and approaches to sustain & refresh your life painting practice<br/>- Experiment and take risks and employ both analytical and intuitive approaches<br/>- Appraise your own work and the work of others</p><p>This course is suitable for those students with some life drawing experience who wish to develop new experimental approaches to painting from the life model</p><p>Tutors talks, group discussion, 1:1 support. Homework tasks are optional</p><p>All basic materials are included. You may want to bring your own brushes/canvas - tutor will advise</p><p>This course will feed into Life Drawing and Life Painting courses at all levels including</p><p>Life Painting: Expressionist Approaches</p><p>Life Painting: Focus on Light and Shade</p><p>Year of the Figure and Portrait for the more committed student (day and evening options)</p>PaintingLife painting & portraiturevirtual207259168VH462NONEThu04/06/26 - 02/07/2610:00 - 13:0010:0013:005 sessions (over 5 weeks)55-10 weeksDaytimeWeekdayKSKeeley StreetRuth BrisonSome experienceAvailable courses2026-06-04T00:00:00+00:00Jun 2026Art & design259259Life painting: experimental approacheslife-painting-experimental-approaches/vh462-2526<p>Explore imaginative, dynamic approaches to painting the figure using a variety of approaches: be inspired by new ways of seeing and access innovative ways of approaching your life painting. Suitable for those with some previous life drawing experience.</p>0000-Available|2026-06-04 00:00:00<p>This course presents an innovative and exploratory approach to life painting. You will be invited<br/>to identify the value of both analytical and experimental approaches and the relationship between them in the<br/>painting process. Explore the role of spontaneity, perception and empathy in creating paintings that express clarity, 'aliveness' and a sense of meaning. This course is ideal as a companion to more traditional life drawing and painting courses and is suitable for those with experience in life drawing who wish to refresh their practice or stimulate new ways of working.</p><p>Explore imaginative, dynamic approaches to painting the figure using a variety of approaches: be inspired by new ways of seeing and access innovative ways of approaching your life painting. Suitable for those with some previous life drawing experience.</p><p>During the course you will explore a range of ways to stimulate a fresh and innovative response to painting the<br/>Figure from life.<br/>There will be guided exercises enabling you to develop a deeper understanding of painting and the value of<br/>expressive mark-making, composition, imaginative use of colour and the role of imagination. You will engage with a broad variety of painting approaches to inspire new directions. You will find inspiration in a range of<br/>artists’ work, as references to the specific exercises. You will be introduced to ways of evaluating your work and<br/>making informed decisions regarding its development.</p><p><br/>- Employ a variety of different methods and approaches to sustain &amp; refresh your life painting practice<br/>- Experiment and take risks and employ both analytical and intuitive approaches<br/>- Appraise your own work and the work of others</p><p>This course is suitable for those students with some life drawing experience who wish to develop new experimental approaches to painting from the life model</p><p>Tutors talks, group discussion, 1:1 support. Homework tasks are optional</p><p>All basic materials are included. You may want to bring your own brushes/canvas - tutor will advise</p><p>This course will feed into Life Drawing and Life Painting courses at all levels including</p><p>Life Painting: Expressionist Approaches</p><p>Life Painting: Focus on Light and Shade</p><p>Year of the Figure and Portrait for the more committed student (day and evening options)</p>PaintingLife painting & portraitureconfigurable
