Introduction to Drawing

This full day workshop is a one-stop primer for beginners to get started with drawing. If you’ve never drawn before, or want to go back to basis, this friendly and relaxed workshop will introduce the core skills you need to start drawing with greater confidence.  

What to Expect 

Over the course of the day we’ll be working with a variety of different drawing media and subject matter. In the morning we will be looking at the basics of observational drawing, looking at how to observe line and shape and drawing from our immediate environment. After lunch we’ll loosen up with a more gestural approach, finishing the day with a short life drawing session. 

What to Bring

All materials are included with this workshop. You may wish to bring a sketchbook for taking notes and a plastic folder for taking home your drawings. Easels, chairs, drawing boards and small tables are all provided on a first come-first served basis.  

Getting to the studio 

Approach New England House from the New England Street side of the building and walk up to the locked blue double doors next to the sign for the ‘Building Manager’s Office’. Wait to be let in or call the number on the door for entry - the studio is on level 5, Unit 1 South, just knock and walk in. There is parking at London Road car park, Elder Place & Trafalgar St car parks; Brighton station is a 5 minute walk from the studio 

Discounts 

The discounted rate is available for anybody on low income, students or Draw Patreon supporters. Become a Draw Patreon supporter by signing up to the Draw Patreon from just £3.60 per month. You’ll get the in-person concessionary rate, plus Patreons get tiered access to a wealth of resources including our extensive artist’s photo reference library, live online life drawing & portrait drawing classes, online recorded courses and much more. Whether you are a Patreon supporter or not, you can post your drawings on the Draw community Facebook group  and tag  @draw_brighton and #drawbrighton on Instagram.  

Safety & accessibility  

If you have any accessibility needs, please do let us know beforehand on [email protected] and we will do everything we can to make sure you can enjoy the classes here. The building has a wheelchair ramp at the North side of the New England Street entrance and lifts up to level 5 with gender-neutral toilets & accessible toilets on floors 4 & 6 accessed by lift.  

The studio itself has diffuse overhead panel lights for drawers with a spotlight directed at the model. Fixative spraying is not allowed in the studio and is done outside; oil paints are allowed in the studio and there is a small chance they may be used at this session - our air purifier and good ventilation help control fumes. We keep the studio a safe environment by providing: 

• Monitored ventilation (aiming for <900ppm CO2) 

• Air purification with HEPA filters 

• Sick pay for our freelance life models 

• If you have covid, flu or bad cold symptoms we ask you not to attend - you will receive a refund as well as our appreciation! 

Cancellations  

Bookings are non-refundable. If you are unwell with a contagious illness you may not attend the class - you can request a refund here on Eventbrite and we can issue a full refund, minus Eventbrite's fees. If you are unable to attend, please do get in touch with us on [email protected] to discuss the options for transferring your place to another attendee. 

Host or Publisher Draw Brighton