The Art of Sketching People with Amanda Beck

The Art of Sketching People – Amanda Beck

Sketching is an art that anyone can learn! As an avid sketcher, I can guide you with some key tips and techniques to get you started. You will soon be hooked in no time! We love to draw subjects that intrigue us and people are fascinating to observe and sketch. I will take the mystery out of how and where to start with some simple but effective sketching exercises.

The group size is limited to so it is advisable to book early to avoid disappointment.

10.00am – 4.00pm

What will be covered in this workshop?

· Core skills needed to get you started sketching people on location.

· How to make a confident representational sketch of people.

· How to simplify what you see and capture the energy of a pose

· You will be taught through practical demonstrations by the tutor and with the support of reference material

· Advice on sketching materials to achieve different effects when sketching moving figures, light and shadow, character and gestural poses

· A practical guide on where and how to start sketching in public spaces. We will spend the afternoon sketching outside. An alternative plan has been made in case of bad weather.

What do I need to bring along with me?

Please bring an A5 or A4 sketchbook of your choice. This workshop focuses on the use of dry media for sketching so it doesn’t require heavy thick paper. Although we will be using a water pen for some of the exercises. However please make sure the surface isn’t shiny and look for a sketchbook with good quality cartridge paper.

My favourite sketchbooks are both affordable, support sustainability and are good quality. They are the Seawhite eco Sketchbooks (soft back covers). Check your local art shop or look online. If you already have a sketchbook, please bring it along.

An enclosed pencil sharpener. My favourite is by Jakar it is a Pencil Sharpener & Eraser 2 in 1 (I believe they sell them at Salts Mill in Saltaire and at the Art Shop in IIkley. You can also find them online) Just bring what you have. When sketching on location an enclosed pencil sharpener is much more practical.

Pencils 2B and 4B and a putty rubber

Practicalities: As, weather-permitting, we will be spending a couple of hours outside in the afternoon it is recommended that you bring a sunhat, water bottle and a small rucksack for your sketching materials. We will look for benches to sit on but if you can bring a small fold out stool, that would be great. If you prefer to stay indoors that's no problem - a classroom-based task will be set for those who want to stay inside.

What will be provided

Watercolour pencils and further sketching media to try out

Cost: £75 per person (group size limited to 10)

Student feedback from previous sketching courses

‘Great day! Enjoyed sketching at the station experience’ Julie

‘Very enjoyable and a great confidence boost. I will include people in my drawings now’ Lynn

‘Wonderful day, I absolutely loved it. Feel confident to go out and get sketching, looking and drawing without worrying about the outcome. Lots of good techniques to try out. Thank you! Jessica

‘Thank you for an enjoyable informative day. Lots of instruction, tuition, combined with practice and constructive feedback.’ Fiona

‘Enjoyable and interesting, especially learning about figure proportions’ Caroline

‘I enjoyed the whole workshop, found drawing the environment beforehand particularly helpful’ Jenny

‘Learnt a lot today – especially loved the blocking figures in the market’ Jane

‘Improved my confidence in getting started and just going with the flow’ Meg

‘I really enjoyed the whole day trying new techniques and being creative’ Alison

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