Learn to Draw: Tuesday Evenings

with John Murphy-Woolford

A program designed to introduce students to the rich variety of methods and skills need to create drawings.

Spring Term 2025 Dates

7, 14, 21, 28 January

4, 11 February

(Half Term 18 February)

25 February

4, 11, 18, 25 March

1 April

Course Description

A different element of drawing will be explored in a presentation followed by practical work in the studio using observation to create drawings following the examples of great artists of history and established drawing conventions. The course is suitable for both beginners and those with some experience.        

British Museum Crouching Venus

What you will learn

Students will be introduced to the fundamental skills needed to draw successfully. Each class is designed to break down the discipline of drawing into manageable modules. Ideas and approaches are gradually combined in order for students to progress at a manageable speed, growing in confidence and ability.

We will explore how to respond to subject matter and interpret the world to create drawings from observation. Each class will stand independently, focusing on one aspect of drawing and its creative potential. Ideas of interpretation will be explained to students through examples of famous or important drawings through history. Students will be supported and guided as they use these interpretive approaches in their own drawings. The goal of each lesson is to encourage students to expand and explore their own creative options when drawing.       

Lesson summary

We will begin each lesson with a presentation showing examples of drawings from art history. This presentation will give a practical and historic context to the drawings we will make. It will outline the manner of drawing to be explored, and some considerations to direct students before we begin.

This course will use studio-based object set-ups, the interior of the studio or printed source material to work from. Students will be encouraged to bring subjects and images they may wish to draw, or they can use objects brought to the studio by the instructor.

Picasso

This course covers:

  • Creative Use of line

  • Composition

  • Planes to describe form

  • Tone

  • Mark Making

  • Drawing and time

  • Space, shape and silhouette

  • Addition, subtraction and permanent marks

  • Guidance with materials

  • Measuring and accuracy

  • Big visual ideas to small ideas

  • The need for editing

Auerbach

John Murphy-Woolford

Materials

Conventional materials will be used: Papers, graphite pencils, charcoal (willow and compressed), grey scale pastels, erasers, ink and ink pens, brushes etc. Material costs needn’t exceed £25-£30.