Contemporary Life Drawing (weekdays)

Monday and Tuesday 10 am – 4 pm, two days

Indicative maximum class size: 16 

On this course, you’ll learn key strategies to help you draw the figure and begin experimenting with new approaches.

It’s open to beginners, but will also suit those already familiar with life drawing.

The course is therefore ideal for anyone wanting to upskill, for personal or professional development.

Course Description

Whilst there are a wealth of life drawing classes out there, very few encourage the use of contemporary approaches.

This is despite the influences of work by the likes of Egon Schiele and Jenny Saville, both of whom have pushed the boundaries of traditional life drawing.

Formal ideas such as proportion, form, pictorial space and composition are essential concepts and  will always be part of the artistic challenge, but this course aims to take a step further.

It will start by covering essential topics such as proportion, shading, foreshortening and methods of measurement, but will quickly develop to allow you to experiment beyond the boundaries of these artistic conventions.

The aim of the course is to allow you the opportunity to explore your own creativity, and develop contemporary responses to drawing from direct observation.

On this course, you will:

• complete set practical drawing tasks
• undertake independent drawing
• follow tutor demonstrations
• receive one-to-one feedback and group critiques.

Practical assignments will be underpinned by theory and art historical references, and so there’ll be discussions regarding the importance of the human form throughout history - and how it remains relevant today.

What will I gain?

You’ll leave with an increased confidence in drawing and knowledge of the human form and its presence in art history.

You’ll also have a deeper understanding of key drawing concepts, and a greater awareness of your own individual creativity.

Level: Open to all

Entry requirement: Beginners as well as those with some drawing experience are welcome.

Where you'll learn: You will be based in the Waverley Building, a beautifully restored, listed building with real design heritage in the School of Art and Design on the City Campus.

You will work in the Dame Laura Knight studio: a large, airy life drawing space that is well-equipped with easels, lighting rigs and space to develop your ideas and create exciting work.

You’ll also have access to our library to use outside of your short course; whilst you can’t reserve or take away books, you are welcome to use them as a resource for research and referencing.

Here's what our previous attendess said:

‘Gained confidence in life drawing, and enjoyed collaborating with the life model. Many thanks!'

‘Great tutor, great class! Improved drawing skills and have a greater knowledge of contemporary art practices.' SG

‘I wanted to do this course so I could have a go in a bite-sized format. I've taken away new ideas and approaches to drawing' FR

‘I've learnt many new techniques for life drawing and sketching. I wanted to improve my drawing skills and collect pieces for a portfolio - being taught new ways to express ideas such as using stencils, graphite and frotage was most enjoyable. Talking and getting feedback was great too.' JM          

'Well structured, with a nice amount of input from the tutor when required, enjoyed it very much' LH 

'The course was great, would recommend. I enjoyed having a lot of time with a life model' WM 

'We got practical experience of life drawing and were introduced and encouraged to use to new media' GG 

'I enjoyed it all, Chris was engaging and positive, and very supportive. Great course, very well presented. Loved it!'

Tutor profile: Chris Lewis-Jones is an artist/flaneur who travels across disciplines, media and contexts.

He is based at Primary in Nottingham, but is also an Associate Artist at Nottingham Contemporary.

Although his work has been influenced by the theory and practice of psycho-geography, drawing remains central to his practice, and he is never without a sketchbook!

In addition to enjoying analytical drawing, Chris also explores expressionistic approaches to mark making and has been commissioned to undertake drawing performances at galleries and other venues across the country.

Any questions?

Contact the short course team:

Email: [email protected]

Tel: +44 (0)115 848 2813