Drawing for Beginners
Course overview
Discover the joy of drawing in this welcoming 10-week course designed specifically for complete beginners and those looking to refresh their basic skills. Drawing is a foundational creative skill that enhances observation, improves hand-eye coordination, and provides a deeply satisfying way to express yourself visually. In this supportive and relaxed environment, you’ll gradually build confidence as you learn fundamental drawing techniques and principles.
Our experienced tutor Caz Dowdall will guide you through structured exercises that develop your ability to see like an artist and translate what you observe onto paper. You’ll explore a variety of drawing media while working from still life arrangements and photographs.
This course emphasises the process of drawing rather than perfect results, making it ideal for those who have always wanted to draw but may have been hesitant to start. By the end of the course, you’ll have developed a portfolio of drawings, a solid understanding of core techniques, and the confidence to continue your artistic journey.
- Observation Skills – Train your eye to truly see objects and translate visual information onto paper
- Line Quality – Develop control and expressiveness in your mark-making using various techniques
- Value and Shading – Create the illusion of form and volume through effective light and shadow techniques
- Proportion and Measurement – Learn methods for accurately capturing the size relationships between objects
- Perspective Basics – Understand how to create the illusion of depth and three-dimensional space
- Composition – Arrange elements effectively within your drawing space for visual impact
- Texture Techniques – Represent different surface qualities through specialised drawing approaches
- Drawing Media – Explore the unique properties of pencil, charcoal, ink, and conte crayon
- Subject Matter Variety – Practice drawing still life, natural objects, architecture, and the human figure
- Creative Expression – Develop your personal drawing style while applying technical fundamentals
This drawing course employs a variety of teaching methods to accommodate different learning styles and ensure steady progress:
- Demonstrations – Your tutor will regularly demonstrate techniques and approaches step-by-step
- Guided Exercises – Structured drawing activities designed to develop specific skills in manageable stages
- Individual Practice – Plenty of hands-on drawing time with personalised guidance as needed
- Visual References – Examples from art history and contemporary drawing to illustrate concepts
- Group Discussions – Friendly, constructive conversations about drawings and techniques
- Progressive Challenges – Tasks that gradually increase in complexity as your confidence grows
Basic materials will be provided throughout the course. You are welcome to bring additional drawing materials if you already own them, but this is not necessary.
Essential Items:
- Sketchbook (A4 size, spiral-bound, 120gsm paper or heavier)
- Drawing pencils (2H, HB, 2B, 4B, 6B set)
- Eraser (soft white vinyl preferred)
- Pencil sharpener with container for shavings
- Comfortable clothes that you don’t mind getting occasional charcoal or graphite marks on
On completion, you might consider continuing to our ‘Drawing for Improvers’ or Painting and Drawing courses at WHH.
Alternatively enrol by phone quoting AC/M/PX236
Meet the tutors
We want our learners to feel welcome, safe and at ease when attending our classes, especially if this is your first time attending an adult education class or if you're coming back to education after a break.
If you're interested in one of courses, meet our tutors first! You'll see they have similar passions and interests and, most importantly, the right qualifications to help you make the most of your time and money.
