Life drawing: an extended study
Course Code: VH463
Duration: 8 sessions (over 8 weeks)
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What is the course about?
This course offers a structured, practical and comprehensive approach to life drawing. Working from a range of models, you will learn how to see and analyse the body in depth using experimental and traditional approaches. Every aspect of drawing will be underpinned by artists ranging from Oscar Schlemmer to Degas, to Jenny Saville.
Materials used will include pencil, charcoal and pastel.
What will we cover?
- Drawing the body using line
- Identifying and rendering the shapes and structure of the body.
- Drawing volume using a range of tones
- Identifying and rendering the planes and surfaces of the body
- Drawing from short dynamic poses.
- Developing sustained, longer life drawings.
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
- Draw the body accurately in line.
- Draw the body using tonal contrast.
- Draw with speed & energy by responding to short poses.
- Produce a sustained, developed life drawing from a single pose.
- Identify the work and practice of a variety of artists and apply to your drawing.
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').
Suitable for those wanting to refresh and consolidate existing skills.
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.
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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 in the next academic year 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.
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.
