Life Drawing in Graphite

As part of our Graphite term we’ll be offering a fresh look at one of our most familiar drawing materials. Over the course of two days we will look at new ways of drawing the figure in graphite, using graphite blocks, powder and putty as well as the humble but versatile pencil. This weekend will be ideal for beginners looking for an accessible route into life drawing as well as more experienced artists keen to get stuck into a full weekend of drawing from a model and is led by artist and tutor Lancelot Richardson.  

What to Expect: 

Starting with an introduction to the fundamental properties of graphite we will explore exercises that help us to get the most out of one of our most ubiquitous drawing materials, using graphite powder, graphite sticks and water-soluble graphite. You will have the chance to experiment with new materials and draw from an unclothed model, making rapid, gestural drawings to more long-form studies.  

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. 

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 – if you are ill 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