Due to their complex mobility and anatomical structure, hands are some of the most difficult parts of the human body to draw. As a result, you will often discover that even experienced artists find the prospect of drawing hands quite daunting and, in many figurative depictions, these bodily extremities are only suggested or left out altogether. Yet, hands are one of the most expressive parts of our body and therefore leaving these bodily extremities out of your figurative drawing will diminish the impact of the sketch. This course will give you the confidence to draw hands freely and accurately in relation to the figure and its surroundings. The tutor will teach you different ways to observe the human form and how to translate the figurative shapes into two-dimensions on paper, mastering accurate forms and proportions. Through a series of exercises focusing on structure, tone, line and shape, you will learn the subtleties of drawing hands using diverse drawing materials such as pencil, graphite, chalk and charcoal. The tutor will also demonstrate how to tackle perspective and foreshortening and how to de-pick the hand in the wider context. You will have the opportunity to explore ways of drawing using different techniques, which will help you to portray the essence of hands in various poses with confidence, accuracy and joy. By the end of the course, you will have completed a diverse portfolio of drawings using different methods of observation and drawing techniques. The course is open to all levels.
On this course the College will supply all materials, including paper, graphite stick, chalk, pencil, pencil sharpener and a rubber per student and some charcoal to share amongst the group.
Please wear appropriate clothing/aprons for the workshop or studio, this includes stout covered footwear (no sandals or open toes).
Daily Timetable
Course teaching: 11am–5.15pm
Students arrive: 10.30am-11am (coffee optional)
Morning teaching: 11am-1pm
Lunch break: 1pm-2pm (lunch is not included)
Afternoon teaching: 2pm-5.15pm (15 minute break, 3.30pm–3.45pm)
Teaching finishes: 5.15pm
Short courses are open to anyone aged 18 and over. The course fee covers tuition and materials where stated. You will need to bring all other items listed under the Materials to bring section.
Refreshments Coffee and tea are included in the course fee, but you will need to bring lunch with you to eat in the refreshments room. There are also plenty of other local venues to purchase food.
Access If you have any specific access needs, we will need to know about your access requirements in advance. Please tell us about your needs in confidence by emailing: [email protected]
This venue has steps to the front reception, with limited access via a side gate to the ground floor. There is a small lift to higher floors or stairs.
Safety Short course students are required to sign a safety compliance form as part of West Dean Health and Safety regulations.
Refunds and cancellations Please refer to our terms & conditions below
Disclaimer The information given is accurate at the time of publication. However, West Dean College reserves the right to cancel or amend courses if circumstances require.
Šárka is a Czech born, artist and designer who's multimedia practice explores the relationship in between people, places and architecture in relation to the ever-changing time and space that we occupy.
Constantly seeking new ways of making and showing her work, she is a strong advocate of fundamental prominence of 'looking and seeing', which could be learned and much enhanced through the art of observational drawing.
Take the next step in your creative practice, with foundation level to Masters in Fine Art study.
Depending on your experience, start with an Online Foundation Certificate in Art and Design (one year, part-time), a Foundation Diploma in Art and Design made up of 10 short courses taken over two years (part-time) or advance your learning with our BA (Hons) Art and Contemporary Craft: Materials, Making, and Place (six years part-time). All will help you develop core skills, find direction in your practice and build an impressive portfolio in preparation for artist opportunities or higher-level study. See all degree and diploma courses.
