Drawing & Painting - Stage 1 (Model 1 week)

Course intent

Learn how to draw and paint by starting at the very beginning and build the essential knowledge and skills needed to draw and paint with confidence. Guided through a series of step-by-step exercises, you'll explore a variety of drawing styles—from quick, expressive sketches to more detailed and realistic techniques. You will be introduced to life drawing and will draw a clothed life model for one session per term. By the end of the course, you’ll have a solid understanding of key drawing techniques, increased confidence in your abilities, and a personal collection of work to build on.

What will I learn?

Design Techniques: Discover the key principles of simple perspective and composition. Engage with a range of subject matter such as still life, simple figures and landscapes.

Material Knowledge: Which tools and materials to use and why: explore different materials like pencil, charcoal and ink and paint. Discover how different tools and surfaces affect your technique and creative outcomes.

Craftsmanship: Discover the fundamentals of drawing and painting as you learn how to use line, tone, shading and proportion in your work. Build a personal sketchbook that documents your progress and creative development.

Production Process: Study the work of inspiring artists to deepen your understanding of visual language and to enrich your own artistic practice. Learn about and apply colour theory to your paint mixing.

Workshop Practice: Learn essential health and safety practices in the studio, including proper cleaning and care of tools and materials, to ensure a safe and professional working environment.

Who is this course for? Is there anything I need to know before joining?

Stage 1 - This stage is for learners who are new to their chosen subject area. With the focus on introducing individuals to basic materials, tools, and techniques, and to inspire confidence in creative expression

What do I need to bring to the first class? Will there be any extra costs?

You need to bring:

• Please bring a notepad and pen
• Please bring whatever drawing & painting materials you may already have purchased
• a pad of A4 cartridge paper, soft grade of pencils (HB, 2B, 4B), soft rubber and sharpener for the first session

Other materials and resources you will need through the course will be discussed at induction.

What can I do when I finish the course?

You can continue your journey learning about painting with us by enrolling on Drawing & Painting - Stage 2 for the whole of the academic year 2025-26. You can build your skills during the year by trying Saturday workshops in painting and drawing and try different techniques and styles. In September 2026, you can move to Drawing & Painting - Stage 3.

Additional Information

We welcome learners with additional needs and disabilities. When you enrol, please let us know if you would like to discuss your extra support needs with a member of the Supported Learning Team who will then contact you as soon as possible. If you are enrolling within 10 days of the course start date, we may not be able to contact you before your first class.

How to enrol

Our courses are for adult learners aged 19 or over. If you are under 19, please call 0300 200 1044.

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