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.
KEY COURSE INFORMATION
Course day 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!
The courses
The art courses start in three semesters across the year.
Winter Semester: January Start
Summer Semester: May Start
Autumn Semester: September Start
Tuesday evening Life Drawing (18:30-21:00) (12 consecutive weeks)
Wednesday evening Drawing & Painting Techniques (18:30-20:30) (12 consecutive weeks)
Thursday evening Intro to Oil Painting (18:30-21:00) (11 consecutive weeks)
Saturday morning Drawing & Painting Techniques (10-12 pm) (12 consecutive weeks)
Saturday afternoon Drawing & Painting Techniques (1-3 pm) (12 consecutive weeks)
To ensure you are alerted to when the courses are online to book please sign up to receive the newsletter.
The link for newsletter sign up is further down this page
Life Drawing Birmingham Testimonials
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How do I choose a class or workshop?
The easiest way is to start on the Art Courses Birmingham booking page and work through the options from there. You can choose the course type first, then pick the day and time that suits you, and the booking steps are clear all the way through to payment.
If you are not sure which direction to go in, I normally suggest choosing based on the materials you want to use and whether you would prefer to learn in Birmingham city centre or online.
If you want a friendly, structured course that lets you try a range of drawing and painting materials, take a look at Drawing and Painting Techniques. If you specifically want to focus on oils, the Introduction to Oil Techniques course is the best fit. If you would like to draw and paint the figure from observation, you will want the Life Drawing Classes Birmingham page. If you fancy something shorter and social, Sip and Paint is booked as a stand-alone session.
I’m a first-time art student, which class should I take?
At Art Courses Birmingham, you do not need previous experience to get started. The best course for complete beginners is usually Drawing and Painting Techniques, because it introduces you to several materials and approaches over the term, including pencil, charcoal, pastel, acrylic, ink and mixed media. You can go at your own pace, and I assume you are learning from the beginning unless you tell me otherwise.
If you already know you want to paint in oils, then the Introduction to Oil Techniques course focuses on that medium and is still suitable for beginners. If you are drawn to drawing from life and want to build confidence with proportion, gesture and observation, the Life Drawing Classes are a brilliant place to start.
Is there a break during the art class?
I often begin with a demonstration when I am introducing a new technique, but there are no set break times. At Art Courses Birmingham, you are welcome to make a hot drink whenever you like, then jump back in when you are ready.
How do I register?
Registration is done through the Art Courses Birmingham booking page. Choose the course that suits you, follow the steps through to payment, and you will receive a confirmation email after you have booked.
Are materials included in tuition prices?
For Art Courses Birmingham venue classes, materials are included. I supply almost all the art materials for the in-person courses. For online Zoom art classes, students source their own materials, but I do provide a recommended materials list, with a 10% discount through Cass Art.
For the venue Drawing and Painting Techniques course, the main item I ask you to bring is an A3 drawing and painting pad. For the life drawing course, I supply everything except that Ialso ask you to bring your own paper.
What happens if I miss a class?
If you contact me beforehand, we can try to swap you into a Wednesday or Saturday session instead, as long as there is a space available. Because the Art Courses Birmingham courses are in demand, missed classes cannot be carried over into a new semester.
Where will the classes be held?
Art Courses Birmingham classes are based in Birmingham city centre, just off Victoria Square, in a Grade II listed building surrounded by Georgian architecture at the Birmingham and Midland Institute (BMI).
If you prefer learning from home, the Oil class continues online via Zoom, and I also offer one-to-one lessons via Zoom when in-person is not practical.
How long are the courses?
At Art Courses Birmingham, the Introduction to Oil Painting course runs for 11 weeks consecutively, while Drawing and Painting Techniques runs for 12 weeks in total, and the Life Drawing Classes also run for 12 weeks. If you are booking a new term, you will always see the current dates and sessions on the booking page as well.
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:
Snow Hill Multi-Storey Car Park
Lower Lionel Street Car Park
If you are travelling in, it is worth giving yourself a little extra time to park and get settled before we begin.
Once I have completed the course can I book again?
Yes, and you would be very welcome. Many Art Courses Birmingham students rebook for another semester. Each term follows a similar structure, so you can build confidence, but I often introduce new techniques and exercises to keep things moving forward.
How is each art class structured?
I usually begin with a demonstration of the technique we are focusing on that day, then we do a warm-up exercise to get you going. After that, you can explore the theme at your own pace, and I give plenty of feedback and individual tuition throughout the session when you need it.
What is your Refund Policy?
If you want a refund, please contact me no later than a week before the course starts so I have time to find someone to take your place. If you have already attended a class, I cannot offer a refund because that space has been used and cannot be filled.
Are Art Courses Birmingham classes suitable for adults and complete beginners?
Yes. Art Courses Birmingham courses are designed for adults, and many students start with little or no experience. The teaching is step-by-step and supportive, and you will get individual guidance during the session. If you want a strong starting point, Drawing and Painting Techniques is usually the best place to begin.
Do you offer online art classes?
Yes. Art Courses Birmingham offers live online art classes via Zoom. The oil painting course runs online, and the Zoom page explains how online sessions work and what you need.
Can I book one-to-one art tuition instead of a group class?
Yes. If you would prefer tailored support or you want to focus on specific drawing or painting goals, Art Courses Birmingham offers one-to-one tuition.