Beginners life drawing course

Beginner Life drawing course

A two month course taking you from the basics of getting the proportions right to drawing portraits with confidence and ease. Great atmosphere and an inspiring studio experience. The course includes a curated exhibition of drawings created.

Overview

The class will held in the studio for 4 participants and will be broadcast live from our studio weekly. You will meet Louise, Tadeus and Gabriel (life model). 

We do prefer your personal attendance during the class as it is interactive and evaluation is given also in real time. You will be also able to request specific poses from the model and, last but not least, nothing beats the atmosphere of a life drawing studio!

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This is strengthened with weekly homework to be completed during the week and one-on-one mentoring sessions tailored to individual needs.

Each session is recorded, and video shared with the participants for further reference.  

The course ends with a curated exhibition of artworks at a local gallery and/or an online auction.

Tutors

Louise Thomas, Tadeusz Fopp, Gabriel Asturias

Audience

This class is suitable for beginners and those wanting to improve their drawing techniques. Some previous experience with drawing will work to your advantage though. If you are not sure please get in touch and we will be happy to advise.

Scope

This course teaches you how to use 5 fundamental drawing skills.

• seeing and drawing edges (contour)

• seeing and drawing space (negative spaces)

• seeing and drawing spacial relationships (proportions and perspective)

• seeing and drawing light and shadow (modelling, chiaroscuro)

• seeing and drawing the "whole"(gestalt)

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You will work through various drawing exercises and in turn directly applying all theoretical knowledge you are given in practice. All demonstrations are followed by guided life studies. 

Format

• Weekly 2 hour interactive class broadcast live from our studio

• Weekly individual 45 min evaluation and mentoring via Zoom one-on-one with Tadeus or Louise

• Homework exercises e-mailed weekly that reflect the content of the class

• Final art show at a local art gallery and/or online auction

• Follow up session one month from the class

• The number of participants is limited so as the course progresses it can be tailored to the attending students’ individual needs.

What will you learn?

Over the course you will attain and develop new skills in draughtsmanship:

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• measuring - accurate proportions, foreshortening techniques. 

• Composition how to organise your drawing including paper format and size

• charcoal reduction an expansion on light and tone using a master technique

• tonal value, understand your light source and measuring tonal values and accurately applying them

• building narratives - transcribing emotions and storytelling in our drawings.

• line and gesture - how different techniques and physical application of your medium can affect the drawing.

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The techniques taught are reinforced from class to class and layered with new techniques building a strong foundation in understanding how to perceive and realise your drawing.

Materials list

• Computer screen, beamer, tv screen, or larger laptop screen to participate and have a clear view

• Table or board to attach your paper to and work 

• sketchpad (we recommend a toned A3 or A2 format)

• board or table to work on / something to fix your drawing to

• willow charcoal and chalks

• Chinese ink and nr 8 brush

• fixative

• masking tape

If any of these materials are not available to you we will be happy to discuss the next best alternative you may have at home.

Class Timetable

Week 1

Measuring foundation

How to measure (and keep your elbow straight)?

Week 2

Space and value

Approaching negative spaces, picture plane shape and making composition work as a whole.

Week 3

 Light and tone

Study in logic of light and working with value and tone to express mass and shape.

Week 4

Structure and shading including cross hatching

Further studies in chiaroscuro and classical techniques.

Week 5

Charcoal reduction

Deepening of perception of negative spaces, chiaroscuro and gestalt.

Module 6

 Study of classical technique

A masterclass with Old Masters and Mistresses. Learn to steal like a pro

Module 7

Portrait a head and shoulders study focus

Wrapping it all up - portrait studies were never that easy.

Module 8

Atmosphere and narrative

Going beyond - expressing yourself through the medium of drawing.

A two month course taking you from the basics of getting the proportions right to drawing portraits with confidence and ease. Great atmosphere and an inspiring studio experience. The course includes a curated exhibition of drawings created.

We teach drawing

Damn well.

Individual approach

• We keep our groups small ( 4-6 students ) to give as much one-on-one assistance as it’s needed for you to make real progress having heaps of fun on the way. 

• Our methods work, we give you the confidence to use an array of techniques and support to develop your unique style of expression. 

• All students get individual mentoring sessions as a part of the class.

Experienced tutors

• Louise Thomas, a professional oil painter and has over 10 years of teaching experience. Working at the Newlyn School of Art since 2013.

• Tadeus Fopp, an architect by formation, art gallery assistant by trade will teach you classic renaissance techniques and help you with that hard shortening trick. 

• Gabriel Asturias, our model, has an easy smile for everyone, affable manner, and perfect vitruvian proportions; all of which make drawing him an easy, funny, and collaborative experience. 

Booking Policy

• Once you have booked your place either by phone, email or through our website you will receive a confirmation followed by an email.

• We will provide you with the materials list.

• For our invoice, we will need an address and telephone number to reach you on.