Beginners life drawing course
The Summer course
7th July- August 2021
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.
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 5 participants.
You will meet Louise, Tadeus and Gabriel (life model).
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The course includes weekly homework to be completed during the week and one-on-one mentoring sessions tailored to individual needs.
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The course ends with a curated exhibition of artworks at a local gallery and/or an online exhibit on our website.
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 1.5 hour evening class in our Neukölln studio
2 x individual evaluation and mentoring via Zoom one-on-one with Tadeus or Louise
Homework exercises weekly that reflect the content of the class and lead you on to the next class
Final art show at a local art gallery and/or online exhibit
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
sketchpad (we recommend a toned A3 or A2 format)
set of charcoals and chalks
Fixative
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These materials are not essential for the first class you will see options in the studio. any questions just get in touch.
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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.
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.