Drawing, Illustration, Life and Portrait Adult Learning Courses

Drawing

About this subject

Explore a variety of drawing, sketching and illustration courses. These courses use a variety of mediums. You will work with our expert tutors. They will teach you to use line, tone, composition, size, and perspective to great effect.

We also offer a variety of painting courses.

Our courses run over a period of weeks in Autumn, Spring and Summer. Enrolments open eight to ten weeks prior to the term starting. We also offer more specific one-day workshops throughout the year.

Enrolments open every term in March, July and November. If courses have already started you may still be able to join so please contact us.

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Course levels

  • Stage 1 This stage is for learners who are new to their chosen subject are. With the focus on introducing individuals to basic materials, tools, and techniques, and to inspire confidence in creative expression.
  • Stage 2: Suitable for learners who have completed Stage 1 and would like to gain more experience and refine their skills within their chosen subject area. The focus will be on developing more control and proficiency in practice and learning and completing more complex projects.
  • Stage 3: Suitable for learners on completion of Stage 2, who would like to progress and gain a solid understanding of their subject. The focus will be on mastering more intricate techniques and creating more complex finished projects.
  • Stage 4: This stage is for experienced learners looking to perfect their craft and develop a unique style. The focus is on mastering advanced techniques, creating polished and finished projects, and exploring personal expression.

Drawing

All courses cover principles such as line, tone, colour, composition, proportion and perspective. You will be working from observation and photos.

Drawing courses


Illustration

Learn how to draw and bring your creative ideas to life. Find your style. Do this through briefs where you explore different areas of illustration, from books to framed artwork to editorial. Courses introduce different colour media through a hands-on, non-digital approach.

Illustration courses


Life drawing

Develop and refine your observational skills. Practise to gain fluency in depicting the human form. Work directly from live models (clothed and unclothed) . Use a range of techniques and materials including pen, pencil, charcoal, and pastels.

Life drawing courses


Drawing and painting (watercolour, acrylic and oil)

Learn a range of techniques and methods of drawing and painting. Gain confidence through using sketchbooks, photographs, found images and direct observation. We offer a variety of classes. There is the opportunity to use acrylics and/or watercolour or oil and acrylics. You will learn oil and acrylic painting techniques. You will also learn about the use of materials and tools, the use of a sketchbook, direct observation, colour, tonal values ad composition.

Drawing and painting courses


Sketching

Learn how to draw and sketch, focusing on drawing the natural world around us. Learn the basic principles of observational drawing and sketching. You will use line, tone, form, perspective, and composition. You will also learn how to use various dry mediums. These include graphite and coloured pencils, charcoal, pens and soft pastels.

Sketching courses


Saturday and one day workshops

We offer a variety of workshops throughout the year enabling you to try your hand at a new topic or brush up on your skills with specific workshops.

Saturday and one day workshops


Discounts and support with fees

We have many discounts and fee support options. These include money off your first course if you are a library member, Surrey Heritage user, or over 66.

We include a small charge in the fees. It covers the cost of materials used by tutors for demonstrations. The fee does not include the cost of materials and equipment used by learners, unless stated otherwise. If you have any questions, please ask when enrolling. We advise you not to buy extra materials for a course until your enrolment is confirmed.


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