LIFE DRAWING CLASSES
Based at The Birmingham and Midland Institute, 9 Margaret St, Birmingham B3 3BS Book NowLife Drawing Classes
Drawing and Painting the Live Model
Join me for a wonderful opportunity to learn to draw the figure from observation. I’ll be using an experienced life model for each of the 12 weeks, studying the human form using various drawing media and acrylic paint.
There’s something exhilarating and deeply satisfying about studying the human body in all its graceful dynamism, especially using both drawing and paint media. It is a worthy endeavor that has been an important part of many artists’ training throughout the centuries.
Although a difficult skill to master, mistakes become an integral part of the learning process; it is a discipline that will improve your observation and your appreciation of the challenges of drawing from life.
The sessions will begin with a variety of shorter ‘action’ poses, which will be executed mostly in pencil and charcoal. These quicker sketches, or gestural drawings, help with loosening up and getting students familiar with working from life, whilst also enjoying the process of observing the figure in dramatic poses. Gestural drawings are about capturing the essence of the pose, a sense of movement and flow, without the burden of details, or even accuracy.
As the course progresses I’ll extend the poses, giving students more time to appreciate the nuances of the figure, light and shadow, facial features, and other details.
Please contact me via email for more details

KEY COURSE INFORMATION
Course dates and time: Tuesday evenings 18:30-21:00 (2.5 hrs)
Max 12 Students
For details of the next course dates available please click below.
Life drawing class techniques
Throughout the course I’ll cover techniques like gestural drawing, blind contour drawing, subtractive drawing, building the figure from simple shapes, adding tone, studying proportions (both the body and the face), foreshortening, adding details like hands and feet, facial features, observational measuring, and line weight variation for more expressive sketches.
I’ll start slowly, covering the basic fundamentals that make up a life drawing. This makes the course suitable for beginners, but also for those who want to continue to improve their observational skills.
As an addition to the advice I offer via the online class, each week I’ll make a feedback video going through all the drawings made by the students in class. And of course I’ll be able to answer any extra queries via email should the students require it.
Life drawing class materials
With regards to materials for the course, I supply pencils, charcoal(compressed), putty erasers, soft pastels, pastel pencils, sharpeners (I tend to use a blade), and even ink if you wanted to try it.
However, I do not supply paper. I recommend an A3 pad, as it isn’t too big or small, but at the end of the day, choose the size that works best for you.
Drawing from a live model is an exhilarating activity, deepening your understanding of the human form and improving your observational skills. You will definitely make mistakes, but every drawing, even the bad ones, bring you closer to being a better draftsman.
Learning to draw well is a process, making it an enjoyable journey is as much about the attitude you decide to bring with you, as the techniques you learn along the way.
Don’t be too hard on yourself when a drawing doesn’t work out, those are the ones you’ll learn the most from!
Autumn semester courses are available to book now
Tuesday evening Life Drawing (18:30-21:00)- Start Date September 12th- November 28th (12 consecutive weeks)
Wednesday evening Drawing & Painting Techniques (18:30-20:30)- Start date September 13th- November 29th (12 consecutive weeks)
Thursday evening Intro to Oil Painting (18:30-21:00)- Start date September 14th- November 23rd (11 consecutive weeks)
Saturday morning Drawing & Painting Techniques (10-12 pm)- Start date September 16th- December 2nd (12 consecutive weeks)
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How do I choose a class or workshop?
Easy! Just go to the 'Book an Art Class' section of the website and choose between the different types of course on offer and which day and time suits you best. It's a clear, step-by-step process from there.
I’m a first-time art student ― what class should I take?
That all depends on what kind of materials you want to use. The Drawing and Painting Techniques course will introduce you to a number of different materials and approaches, which will include pencil, charcoal, pastel, acrylic, ink, and mixed media. You can go at your own pace and it is generally assumed that you are a beginner.
Whereas the Intro to Oil painting class focuses exclusively on painting with this beautiful medium, it is also certainly suitable for beginners as well.
The life drawing classes are suitable for anyone and are also held online via Zoom.
Is there a break during the class?
Although I often begin a class with a demonstration, especially if I'm introducing a new technique, students are free to make a hot drink at any time. There are no specific breaks, just go and help yourself!
How do I register?
You can register by going to the 'Book an Art Class' section of the website, choosing which course suits you best, and following the step-by-step instructions all the way through to payment. You will receive a confirmation email after you have booked.
Are materials included in tuition prices?
Indeed they are for all venue art classes. I supply almost all the art materials for these, however for the online Zoom art classes, students must source their own and a 20% discount applies. The only thing I ask students to bring in for the venue 'Drawing and Painting Techniques' class is an A3 drawing/painting pad.
As for the 'Intro to Oil Painting' course, I supply everything except I ask students to bring in an old rag so as to wipe your brushes while you paint.
What happens if I miss a class?
Please contact me beforehand if you cannot make a class, then we can try and swap it with a Thursday or Saturday session instead (if there is a space available). Unfortunately, due to demand, any missed classes cannot be carried over into a new semester.
Where will the classes be held?
The venue itself is in the centre of Birmingham, just off Victoria Square, located in a stunning grade II listed building surrounded by beautiful Georgian architecture. The Birmingham and Midland Institute, is an institution concerned with the promotion of education and learning in Birmingham, England. One if its early presidents was Charles Dickens.
How long are the courses?
The 'Intro to Oil Painting' course runs for 10 weeks consecutively. The Drawing and Painting Techniques course, in its entirety, will run for 12 weeks. The Life Drawing Classes also run for 12 weeks.
Is there Parking?
Metered parking is available around the BMI building on Margaret Street and Cornwall Street. Alternatively, car parks are available at the following locations:
Once I have completed the course can I book again?
Students often book on the courses again, and are of course most welcome to do so. Each semester follows a similar structure, but I often introduce new techniques and exercises.
How is each art class structured?
I usually begin a session with a demonstration of the new technique I will be introducing that day, followed by a warm up exercise for the students. Then students can explore the theme we are working on at their own pace.
I always provide plenty of feedback and individual tuition if needed.