On this course you will learn the basics and explore and master drawing techniques. If you are a beginner or haven’t drawn for many years, this is the opportunity to start from the beginning and build a strong foundational knowledge of all the drawing materials there are, what they feel like and how they behave. You will draw objects from life (observational drawing) to train your eyes to see the shapes, the light, medium and dark tones and how to make something seem three-dimensional using classical drawing techniques such as cross hatching, contour drawing and how to measure proportion. As you draw different objects, you will be working through a range of pencils from 2H to 6B, charcoal, charcoal pencil, chalk pastel and watercolour pencil. This will form your drawing tool kit and give you the chance to explore what all these materials do in a light and supportive environment. You will also look at how to draw different surfaces such as shiny or soft, and which drawing materials and techniques would work best to achieve this.Towards the end of the course, you will take this learning and then add an understanding and exploration of colour, of how to layer and separate colour to add a richness and depth to your drawings, again using the materials provided in your ‘tool kit’. By the end of the course, you should have confidence to draw any object from life or photos, and an understanding of what the different drawing materials are, how they behave and which ones suit your style. You will have gained a knowledge of the key fundamentals of drawing which form the basis of painting, from realism to abstract, printmaking and many other creative processes.

Included

On this course the college will supply all materials, including a set of pencils, a box of charcoal, a box of mixed colour chalk pastels, a box of mixed colour watercolour pencils, cartridge paper, watercolour paper, Bristol paper, putty eraser and a plastic eraser per student, for you to use on the course and take home.

What students need to bring

• An apron and a jam jar

Additional information

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.

Terms & Conditions