Life & Portrait Drawing (All levels)

About this course

The course explores life drawing through portraiture, with sessions addressing the nude and clothed figure, the model’s surroundings and extended portrait work. Close observation is central, alongside responses to the pose and the individual being drawn. Teaching takes place across the whole class around a session theme, with relevant artists’ work used for discussion. Participants receive one-to-one feedback and take part in informal group reviews of their drawings. Work covers shape, proportion, gesture, line, tone and the representation of three-dimensional form.

What you'll learn

• Represent the figure through the study of shape, proportion and gesture.
• Convey the character and energy of a pose through drawing.
• Use line and tone with different drawing materials to model three-dimensional form.
• Recognise the basic anatomy of the head and shoulders.
• Place a clothed figure within its surroundings when developing a full-length portrait.

Is this course right for you?

The course is intended for adult learners at all levels, including those with general drawing skills who have had limited experience of drawing the figure. Participation includes whole-class teaching, individual feedback and informal group discussion and review.

• For learners aged 18 and over.

Before you go

• Bring drawing materials to the first session. Suggested equipment includes HB, 2B and 4B pencils, an eraser, willow charcoal, a soft cloth, a sharpener or knife, and bulldog clips or masking tape. Paper and other items can be purchased from the school shop.