LIFE DRAWING CLASSES

Based at The Birmingham and Midland Institute, 9 Margaret St, Birmingham B3 3BS
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Life 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.

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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

As for the materials recommended for the course, a selection of pencils (B, 2B, 6B), charcoal(compressed), putty eraser, sharpener (I tend to use a blade) and plenty of paper (newsprint pads are great for drawing media) are all that are needed.

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!

life drawing classes

Art Courses Birmingham Testimonials

Online Art Classes

This is the second time that I've done this course. It's been great to build upon lessons learnt and try many different new art techniques. Peter's encouragement and positive critique of work has helped me to take more risks and develop in skills that I didn't know that I had. The first course took place in person and although there are many advantages to face to face work I found the zoom course to be as productive and would not hesitate to complete another one of Peter's courses on zoom."

JW

Drawing and Painting Classes

 "I have now completed three courses with Peter, Drawing and Painting twice and Life Drawing Classes. I can honestly say that learning to draw and paint has kept me going during the lockdown. It has ignited a passion for art in me that will travel with me through life. I will be signing up for new art classes in the new semester and look forward to developing my skills further with Peter's expert tuition. Peter's teaching style is encouraging and skilful. He has a beautiful way of enabling people to progress at their own speed whilst keeping the class lively and interesting. I have attended classes firstly in person and then via Zoom and have enjoyed both immensely. The format on Zoom is brilliant, I was sceptical about how much I would enjoy it, but have been completely converted. Thank you Peter!"

Dawn Norgrove

Oil Painting Classes

This course was a lifesaver for me and provided a wonderful opportunity to develop my oil painting skills. The expert instruction and demonstration delivered with such ease by Peter made the whole experience so enjoyable. Too much information I will need to enrol on a future course to process this one! Thank you Peter.

Mary Blackall

Art Techniques Course

I really enjoyed the recent 12-week art techniques course. We used Zoom, in view of the current coronavirus lockdown, and this worked very well. Peter is an excellent teacher and gave us plenty of individual tuition, adjusted for our various levels of experience. I hadn't ever done an art course, but I was very pleased with the range of techniques which I started using during the course. This has started me on a new hobby, and I am looking forward to taking another of Peter's courses.

Andrew Herborn

Art Classes

I did the Art Techniques class on Zoom. Peter is an excellent teacher, . We had immediate feedback as well as detailed feedback on completed pictures emailed after the lesson. I am relatively new to drawing and painting, and apart from learning a lot, had a lot fun as well. I enjoyed it so much ... I registered for Peter's ' Introduction to oil painting ' class starting in September also on Zoom.

Moira Herborn

Painting Classes

I wanted to draw and paint all my life, particularly as this was not part of school in India at the time! So I waited until I retired and joined Peter’s class. I have had the opportunity to try different mediums and techniques. I even dared to draw in a museum setting with Peter’s encouragement. I have enjoyed learning and continue to do so because the atmosphere in the class is very informal and relaxed. I never thought I would be able to draw and paint but with Peter’s help, I am thoroughly enjoying it. Peter is a passionate, interested teacher

Dr. Prema Iyengar

online art classes

Art is a challenge, a pleasure and a struggle. It is also rewarding and a creative escape so a wonderful antidote to stress. Since joining Peter’s ‘Painting for Pleasure’ group in 2015 I have experienced all of the above. But above all, my knowledge and skills in pursuit of progress have been nurtured, nudged, directed and guided by the most skilful approach and ‘light touch’ of Peters’ tutorledge. He invites you to join in his passion and delight of colour and ‘mark making’ whilst exploring art through the ages, both classical and contemporary styles, but above all through the sheer pleasure of ‘having a go’! The atmosphere Peter creates is supportive and inclusive of all abilities. He knows how-to guide, lead, and deliver what can be a challenging subject and is able to do this with skill, humour, experience and passion. All the ingredients, in my opinion, of a much-valued teacher

Lynette

one to one art tuition

I initially contacted Peter to have one to one painting lessons which were absolutely great and I learnt so much. He then told me about the Saturday painting classes he runs in St Paul’s Church and I just had to check it out! From my first visit till today I am so amazed by the space in which we get to paint. The church itself is such an inspiration. Peter allows us through his own demos and guidance to try out new styles of paintings. Each week is a different style and I look forward to having a go (not always feeling confident to start but as there are other painters in the same position we all have a good time trying it out!) There are weeks when I just want to do my own painting and Peter has given me tips on how to do that. So the classes are what you make them too! I absolutely love my Saturday painting class and highly recommended it to anyone wanting to paint, whether it be for the first time or someone who feels like they don’t have the time or space at home. It’s given me back my love of painting. I’ve now got the time and space to do it and have met some great people to paint with. Thanks Peter!

Vas

painting classes for beginners

Peter’s classes are perfect for the novice. Everything is provided. You are only asked to bring a rag to wipe your brushes or take excess paint off the canvas. He takes the time to explain the materials and how to get the best out of them, setting tasks that help you explore and get used to oil paints and how they work. In the first few weeks, he also teaches how to stretch canvases and mix colours. Everyone is allowed to work at their own pace and he encourages each person with advice and guidance to help them achieve the best results and gain in confidence. I would highly recommend his classes.

Gill

Oil Painting Courses

Peter is an inspiration and has a wealth of knowledge on skills and techniques gained through his ongoing work as a professional practising artist. I now totally embrace oils as my weapon of choice – what a fantastic medium! All this is down to, firstly Peters recommendation I should try oils and then his enthusiasm and guidance. Id recommend his classes unreservedly!”

Gareth

art lessons

I have been doing art lessons with Peter for over one year. Learning with him is quite fun but effective at the same time. Although he plans the topic for each lesson, he is quite flexible and allows people to go at their own pace. He is also happy for students to develop their own work during lessons if they prefer to while helping them with comments alongside. He always looks at the work I do outside of the lessons when I email them and gives his views and suggestions on how to improve them. Thanks very much appreciated.

Shikha

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:

BMI Parking

Great Charles Street Car Park

Ludgate Hill Car Park

Snow Hill Multi-Storey Car Park

Lower Lionel Street Car Park

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.

What is your Refund Policy?
 If you want a refund,  please contact me at the latest a week before the course starts, so I have time to find a replacement student for your space. 
If you have already attended a class on the course, I cannot offer a refund, as you have already purchased that space, and I won't be able to fill it with another student. It is the responsibility of the student to be aware that the courses last for 12 weeks.