Life painting for beginners: summer school intensive
This 4 day intensive course is a great introduction to painting directly from the life model, where you will make great progress in understanding how to paint from life. Using simple structured projects, you will explore different approaches to represent the human form in paint, with encouraging, helpful guidance from an experienced tutor and taking inspiration from the work of other painters. Suitable for beginners in painting who have done some life drawing previously.
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: 27 Jul 2026End Date: 30 Jul 2026Mon-Thu (Daytime): 10:30 - 16:30In PersonLocation: Keeley StreetDuration: 4 sessionsCourse Code: VH132Full fee £349.00 Senior fee £279.00 Concession £227.00
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What is the course about?
Working with a variety of different life models, you will learn how to mix a palette, how to handle brushes and how to compose a painting, using both acrylic and oil paints. We will look at other artists who painted from life and explore their strategies. Painting from life is a unique experience: great progress can be achieved on an intensive course where you are immersed in the subject.
What will we cover?
Through observation of the life model you will focus on composing paintings through studying proportion of the body and the use of tone and colour. You will try different painting techniques including how to paint volume using light and shadow. You will learn about brush handling, composition and basic colour mixing for skin tone.
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
- Use a variety of different brushwork techniques to paint from life
- Use basic tonal values to represent volume and form
- Use basic colour mixing for skin tone
How to work with composition to plan a painting
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
Suitable for beginners in painting who have some previous experience of life drawing
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 tutor demonstrations. Looking at the work of other artists. Individual support and tutoring with regular feedback and some brief discussion in the group.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
All materials are included. Advice on materials will be given during the course.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
Life Painting: Experimental Approaches
Life Painting: Focus on Light and Shade
Life Painting Weekend: Expressionist Approaches
Portrait Painting: 2 Session Pose
Oil Painting: Focus on Portraiture