Centre for Continuing Education

Drawing Course for Beginners

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Drawing. Draw out your inner artist.

COVID-19 update: arrangement of our courses

We are now delivering courses both online and in-person. Please check the delivery format for each class before you enrol.

Please note that course materials for all classes (excluding prescribed textbooks) are shared electronically within 48 hours of a course starting. Printing is not available.

This drawing course covers the basics of drawing techniques through a practical study of form, shading, colour and perspective. You’ll gain the skills needed to produce a lovely landscape, still life, figure drawing and more.

Fun and relaxing, this drawing course for beginners is accessible to anyone wanting to explore their creative potential.

Outcomes

By the end of this course, you should be able to:

  • recognise the nuances of subtle pencil shading
  • identify where light is seen in drawing every subject
  • see and relate to drawing form in its many guises
  • demonstrate confidence in the knowledge that you are now able to draw almost any subject.

Content

Day 1

  • Drawing basic shapes
  • Using shading
  • Drawing from an assembled still life
  • Drawing subjects such as flora and fauna
  • Drawing animals and birds

Note: feel free to bring along your own botanical subject from your garden or balcony and/or any pictures of your favourite pet or animal.

Day 2

  • Drawing with perspective

Bring along a photograph of a street at your favourite holiday destination, or an image of an interesting building. You will be amazed at the results!

  • Drawing people and portraits

We will discuss the rules of proportion of the human body and begin to look at features of the face. We will end with a complete portrait study from a photo of your choice.

  • Life drawing

Fun with drawing a number of volunteer models from our group, including your tutor! Poses will be for ten minutes at a time, fully clothed of course!

Intended audience

Suitable for anyone over 18 years who is new to art or has some previous experience.

Everyone begins to learn on the same footing – from the fundamentals.

Delivery style

Delivered over two full-day sessions.

Materials

Please bring the following materials to the first class:

  • drawing pads (A3 size)
  • a range of pencils: HB, 2B 4B, 6B and a pencil sharpener
  • white Staedtler erasers
  • photographs to use as subject matter.

Photograph ideas include:

  • a sample of plants or flowers (real or photographed)
  • animals, birds, or favourite pets
  • buildings, streetscapes, favourite holiday destinations – anything that shows a building in perspective
  • people, family members or ancestors.

Additional materials/other media will be discussed on the first day.

Recommended art suppliers

Fine Art Papers Pty Ltd
110 Johnston Lane
Annandale NSW 2038
Ph. 9660 1182

Newtown Art Supplies
15 Wilson Street
Newtown NSW 2042
Ph. 9516 2339

Oxford Art Supplies
221/223 Oxford Street
Paddington NSW 2021
Ph. 9360 4066

Features

  • Expert trainers
  • Central locations
  • Course materials – yours to keep
  • CCE Statement of Completion

What others say.

  • Great course, delicious lunch, and learnt how to sketch.

  • Great start! Gave me confidence, and the tutor was very positive and encouraging. Also very professional and experienced. Time flew and it was fun and quite meditative.

  • The presenter was great, very encouraging and told great stories whilst we drew. It was very relaxing and the two days flew by.

  • Was very impressed with the presenter who made everyone feel very comfortable – and the whole experience was engaging and a lot of fun.

  • This course was a lot of fun, very relaxed and not at all intimidating. The time passed far too quickly! Everyone seemed to gain confidence in their drawing, due in large part to the encouraging and relaxed attitude of the tutor who set the tone for a great class!

  • The course has a great tutor – full of life, who finds the best in everyone and gave us confidence. Very organised. I really enjoyed this class and had a great time.

  • Have learnt so much in a relaxed environment. The tutor is just excellent and has taught us so much in two days. Very exciting and motivating for further work!

  • Lots of information was given in a nice relaxed atmosphere. A very user-friendly introduction to drawing, giving an overview of what is involved in developing your skills.

  • The most enjoyable and motivating course I have attended. The presenter was a fantastic teacher, encouraging with lots of humour!

  • I would like to compliment the tutor of this weekend workshop. They had fantastic energy and taught us skills that provide a wonderful foundation for a beginning artist. They have a fantastic way of teaching and encouraging at the same time which is so appreciated when you are taking those first tentative steps towards learning to draw.

Drawing Course for Beginners

<p>{block name:“Course Tagline - Drawing”}</p><p>{block name:“Block - COVID 19 updates”}</p><p>This drawing course covers the basics of drawing techniques through a practical study of form, shading,

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2020-08-08 Sat 08 Aug 2020 - 2020-08-09 Sun 09 Aug 2020
2 sessions, 10 hours total
10am - 3pm
University of Sydney (Venue TBA)
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What others say.

  • An excellent, experienced tutor and great class environment. Basic skills explained which provide great sound building blocks for development.
  • A fantastic way to spend a weekend. I could have spent a week doing this course. Loved it.
  • What an amazing course! My drawing skills have improved significantly under the tutor's guidance.

Subjects

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