The foundation course in drawing 2024
Dates
This summer there will be two class options for the drawing course as follows:
this Autumn there will be two class options as follows:
Course content and overview
A two month long drawing course that will take you from the basic principles of measuring right through to drawing portraits with confidence and ease. The course has been developed by Burnt Sienna founder Louise Lenz and strengthened by Royal drawing school alumni Hannah Turner - Duffin over the last 7 years. The course is taught by qualified artists with Masters in art or the equivalent from a private school.
The Burnt Sienna Art School Berlin foundation course in drawing offers you a well-structured and systematic course for those looking to learn, build confidence, improve and develop new skills in drawing over the course of two months.
Students learn to see colour, shape and tone and relate all these elements together in various compositions. This course aims to foster self-confidence and enjoyment of drawing and painting in a stimulating environment. It is an ideal course for beginners and those looking to learn new approaches as there is plenty of guidance from the tutor.
The course concentrates on building observational drawing skills focussing on each of the formal elements: Line, tone, shape, texture, pattern and space, through fast paced and sustained drawing exercises and there will be opportunities for experimentation with coloured wet and dry materials according to each individual’s needs. Referencing a broad range of contemporary and traditional artists, You will use a range of approaches including simple measurement, identifying shapes and shadows by applying tonal values, drawing with and without line - using tonal build up to create volume and presence, as well as learning techniques to approach composition and build narratives into your work.
After each class you will be given an exercise to take home to be completed before the next week in order to build on the skills learned in each session. At the end of the course you will have a comprehensive selection of drawings to add to your portfolio and a newly instilled confidence to take you forwards in your own unique style of working. Individual guidance will be given throughout, and each week will culminate in discussion of students’ work. Suitable for all levels including beginners, this course is specially designed for those students interested in improving their drawing skills in an immersive environment and useful for building a portfolio.
“The Autumn-Winter drawing course with Louise was one of the best experiences I have had last year. I learned to use my creative side and the people I met along the way were fantastic. The studio and the course are amazing and make you feel like a real artist. I would recommend this course to anyone and I will definitely continue with more courses in the future.”
Sonia Escudero Jimenez Autumn 2021 Drawing course attendee
Course structure - ( subject to change, development and general improvement )
Each session will commence with a group critique of the homework exercise. This is an integral part of the course to learn from others in a constructive way. We ask you to arrive at 18:45 in order to set up and make a drink. The class begins with warm up exercises to flex your drawing muscles and focus your mind.The variety of starting points will challenge and keep students on their toes, awake and alert, to all the possibilities of drawing.
WEEK ONE Exploring line: Shape, Space and Balance, Look ( with a life model) break the life model down into a series of interrelated basic shapes and key lines, exploring the figure with rapid gesture drawing.
WEEK TWO Still life -Shape and Scale, Focus will be upon looking at positive and negative shape and the comparative measurement technique to start to achieve convincing proportion and scale.
WEEK THREE Break it down, Apply techniques used in previous week to break down, discover, rescale and transcribe a printed image either of your choosing or from the Burnt Sienna Library.
Homework study by student on the drawing foundation 2023
WEEK FOUR Tone and building Form Experiment ( with a life model) Charcoal reduction technique and application
WEEK FIVE Still life - Tone from light to dark Building on techniques used in the previous week you will be encouraged to work in a new way…
WEEK SIX Mark-making/pattern, Explore ( with a life model) methods of mark-making working from the model.
WEEK SEVEN Introduction to Portraiture: Head and shoulders/likeness, ( with a life model) Devoted to producing a portrait.
WEEK EIGHT All together now , Incorporating each individual’s choice of previous techniques and mediums used across the eight weeks. ( drawing each other bring and item you love)
Materials list
All materials are covered by the cost fee included the life model and all other studio equipment. We pride ourselves in investing in excellent quality materials that will prepare you for continuing your drawing practice.
Where does the course take place ?
The course is taught in our beautiful 100+ year old Neukölln attic studio in the heart of the art district and far from the bustle of the street. It is in the attic on the top floor so take your time on the stairs, especially if you have any health problems. The studio is well ventilated with a Dyson air purifier, roof and fans. There are plenty of local shops and bakeries to find lunch. We are about a 4 minute walk from Rathaus Neukölln on the U7 and 10 minutes from Hermanplatz U8.
Booking, refund policy and missed classes
A deposit is payable to secure a place on our courses of 150 euros. A refund of the deposit is possible up until 2 weeks before the first class. A return of the full fee is possible at 50% two weeks before the course start date. The fee is payable on the date of your first class, if you need to spread the payments out over the course length we can set up a payment plan.
Discount
A discount taking 10% of the total fee for students, job seekers or those in need is available on request please provide a copy of your job centre certificate or university enrollment form. We can also offer by private invitation a payment scheme or partial scholarship for those who need support. If you want to join a course but are struggling financially please let us know we will try to assist you!
Lateness, missed classes and sickness
If you will be more than 10 minutes late without letting the tutor know, please expect to miss the class. Of course life happens but let us know as soon as you know what's going on, places on our courses are precious and with only limited spaces in an intimate setting we look for discipline in our students, this in turn is great for artistic output!
If you are ill for a class or unable to attend please let us know as far in advance as possible via email or whatsapp. We can offer a refund of the deposit up to 2 weeks before the start of the course and not afterwards. Under very special circumstances we do offer full refunds. If you are ill please wait until you are fully recovered to attend your class.
There are series of identical classes happening at the same time so where possible we will let you join in a replacement class so you do not miss out on studio hours.
Burnt Sienna Philosophy
Burnt Sienna art school Berlin offers two core courses in drawing and painting, these courses take seasonally. The programme has been developed by artist Louise Lenz over the last 10 years and she is an associate tutor at the Newlyn School of Art. The traditional teaching techniques and methods Louise brings from this highly respected art school in Cornwall are brought to Berlin and work alongside contemporary methods. Louise is the mentee of artist Jesse Leroy Smith who comes from the ROyal Academy schools. Unlike other independent art schools in Berlin, Burnt Sienna Art School Berlin limits class sizes in order to ensure the highest level of artistic development and flexibility towards methods of teaching. After every course students are awarded with a certificate on completion.
Entry requirements
Basic English language although German is understood and spoken too. This course is suitable for both beginners and those looking to set up a studio independently. We ask that you have lived in Berlin for at least 3 months and you have good boundaries with your employer in order to attend the course as fully as possible. The studio is in the Attic on the 6th floor so some mobility is required.
Register
If you would like to join the course please fill out the form below and we will find a time for an informal interview either in the studio or by telephone. We will get in touch personally via email to discuss the studio visit details.
The drawing course content
A two month long drawing course that will take you from the basic principles of measuring right through to drawing portraits with confidence and ease.
The Burnt Sienna Art School Berlin foundation course in drawing offers you a well-structured and systematic course for those looking to learn, build confidence, improve and develop new skills in drawing over the course of 8 classes. The course has been developed over the last six years by artist Louise Lenz and will be taught by her and other qualified and respected teachers in the studio.
Students learn to see colour, shape and tone and relate all these elements together in various compositions. This course aims to foster self-confidence and enjoyment of drawing and painting in a stimulating environment. It is an ideal course for beginners and those looking to learn new approaches as there is plenty of guidance from the tutor.
The course concentrates on building observational drawing skills focussing on each of the formal elements: Line, tone, shape, texture, pattern and space, through fast paced and sustained drawing exercises and there will be opportunities for experimentation with coloured wet and dry materials according to each individual’s needs. Referencing a broad range of contemporary and traditional artists, You will use a range of approaches including simple measurement, identifying shapes and shadows by applying tonal values, drawing with and without line - using tonal build up to create volume and presence, as well as learning techniques to approach composition and build narratives into your work.
After each class you will be given an exercise to take home to be completed before the next week in order to build on the skills learned in each session. At the end of the course you will have a comprehensive selection of drawings to add to your portfolio and a newly instilled confidence to take you forwards in your own unique style of working. Individual guidance will be given throughout, and each week will culminate in discussion of students’ work. Suitable for all levels including beginners, this course is specially designed for those students interested in improving their drawing skills in an immersive environment and useful for building a portfolio.
Sonia Escudero Jimenez Autumn 2021 Drawing course attendee
The Autumn-Winter drawing course was one of the best experiences I have had last year. I learned to use my creative side and the people I met along the way were fantastic. The studio and the course are amazing and make you feel like a real artist. I would recommend this course to anyone and I will definitely continue with more courses in the future.
Course structure Each session will commence with a group critique of the homework then continue on to warm up exercises to flex your drawing muscles and focus your mind. The variety of starting points will challenge and keep students on their toes, awake and alert, to all the possibilities of drawing.
Course structure - ( subject to change, development and general improvement , only a brief summary since we closely guard are unique teaching techniques and exercises )
Each session will commence with a group critique of the homework exercise. This is an integral part of the course to learn from others in a constructive way. We ask you to arrive at 18:45 in order to set up and make a drink. The class begins with warm up exercises to flex your drawing muscles and focus your mind.The variety of starting points will challenge and keep students on their toes, awake and alert, to all the possibilities of drawing.
WEEK ONE Exploring line: Shape, Space and Balance, Look ( with a life model) break the life model down into a series of interrelated basic shapes and key lines, exploring the figure with rapid gesture drawing.
WEEK TWO Shape and Scale, Focus will be upon looking at positive and negative shape and the comparative measurement technique to start to achieve convincing proportion and scale.
WEEK THREE Break it down, Apply techniques used in previous week to break down, discover, rescale and transcribe a printed image either of your choosing or from the Burnt Sienna Library.
WEEK FOUR Tone and building Form Experiment ( with a life model) Charcoal reduction technique and application
WEEK FIVE Tone from light to dark Building on techniques used in the previous week you will be encouraged to work in a new way…
WEEK SIX Mark-making/pattern, Explore ( with a life model) methods of mark-making working from the model.
WEEK SEVEN Introduction to Portraiture: Head and shoulders/likeness, ( with a life model) Devoted to producing a portrait.
WEEK EIGHT All together now , Incorporating each individual’s choice of previous techniques and mediums used across the eight weeks.
What do I need to bring with me ?
For the first class nothing is requires except clothes that can get dirty, any snacks you might need, positive energy and ideas for creativity! Any art materials you would like to discuss with the tutor, any pencils you have collected, sketchbooks with notes or drawings to inspire you. House slippers are provided. We do not permit outdoor shoes in the space, some people like to bring their own slippers. This is welcome. Some students like to bring a bottle of wine, cake or snacks this is welcome .
Materials list
All materials are included in the first class and examples of what to buy. For the second class you will need to buy the following roughly for 30 euros in total :
sketchpad A2 min. , 150 grm in weight ( it will say on the front of the sketchbook)
Putty rubber and normal rubber
willow charcoal ( other materials are provided through the course by the school)
fixative , this comes in a spray can
masking tape white masking tape from the art shop
Where does the course take place ?
The drawing course is taught in our beautiful 100+ year old Neukölln attic studio in the heart of the art district and far from the bustle of the street. It is in the attic on the top floor so take your time on the stairs, especially if you have any health problems. The studio is well ventilated with Dyson air purifier, roof access and fans. There are plenty of local shops and bakeries to find food or drinks after class. We are about a 4 minute walk from Rathaus Neukölln on the U7 and 10 minutes from Hermanplatz U8.
Booking, refund policy, illness and missed classes
If you want to join the course please get in touch via our form, Email or whatsapp (017631665401) to arrange an informal studio meeting. If you are not in Berlin we can do that via telephone. Once we have had the meeting and decided if you are in the right time space to attend and it's the right course for you. Once that is settled you will receive an invoice. To secure your place on the course you are asked to pay a deposit of 150 euros. Once the fee is received your place on the course is secured. The remainder is due at the start of the course. Refunds are granted under special circumstances. If you have paid the deposit and are unable to attend we would try to place you firstly on a later course and secondly to return the deposit. If you find you cannot attend within the two weeks prior to the course starting we cannot return the deposit and we would look to place you on the next scheduled course. If you are unable to attend a single class due to illness we send out a worksheet and PDF with full details of the class, if you are ill or have symtoms of any illness please do not attend class we will find a solution!
Burnt Sienna Philosophy
Burnt Sienna offers two core courses in drawing and painting, these courses take place once every season. Louise Lenz is a leading tutor at the Newlyn School of Art. The traditional teaching techniques and methods Louise brings from this highly respected art school in Cornwall are brought to Berlin and work alongside contemporary methods. Unlike other independent art schools in Berlin, Burnt Sienna Art School Berlin limits class sizes in order to ensure the highest level of artistic development and flexibility towards methods of teaching. After every course students are awarded with a certificate on completion.
Entry requirements
Basic English language although German and French are understood and spoken too. We ask that you have lived in Berlin for at least 3 months and feel settled enough to take the course. We also require that you can attend all of the classes and will not be called away to work. This course is suitable for both beginners and those looking to improve. You will be using turpentine, if you are sensitive to solvents or pregnant please contact Louise directly about arranging alternatives, gloves and masks are provided. The studio is in the Attic on the 6th floor. It is a beautiful quiet space but on the top floor with no elevator so take your time on the stairs. There is a roof for breaks.
Spring drawing foundation - Kristen Zibell 2022