Life Drawing and Painting

About this course

Using a life model, learners study the human form through observational drawing and painting. Beginners begin with guided work on contour, gesture, line, mass, mark-making, tone and modelling, using materials including pencil, charcoal, pen and brush. Painting activities introduce a limited palette and focus on representing form and space through colour mixing. Learners with previous experience can develop personal projects in their chosen medium while exploring further drawing and painting techniques.

What you'll learn

• Apply contour, gesture, line, mass, mark-making, brushwork and tone in drawing
• Use charcoal, pencil, pen and brush to explore weight and modelling
• Represent the human form with greater observational awareness
• Paint using a limited palette
• Mix colour to suggest space

Is this course right for you?

The course is open to learners of all abilities and includes guided introductory drawing for beginners before painting. Previous drawing or painting experience is described as helpful rather than required. Returning students can use the course to develop personal projects and explore new techniques.

• Suitable for learners at different levels of experience
• Beginners start with guided drawing work before moving into painting
• Returning students may pursue a personal project in their chosen medium
• An interest in the human figure is expected

Before you go

• Learners need to provide charcoal, soft pencils, erasers, paints, pastels and an A5 or A4 sketchbook.
• Advice on suitable materials is given in the first session.