Drawing Figures And Faces From Life - Mixed Ability

This course is available for enrolment.

Registered before? Sign in and enrol

Course code: F55B

An opportunity to develop figure and portrait drawing skills with different models each week, using various media and techniques.

when: From 05 Jun 2026 to 10 Jul 2026
Fri 09:45-12:15 6 weeks
Tutor: Bill Guilding

where

location to be advised

fees

full fee for this course £125.00, concession fee £76.00

who

Bristol Adult Learning

stokelodge@bristol.gov.uk

0117 903 8844

Description

An opportunity to practise drawing figures and faces from a live model each week using a variety of drawing materials.

What can students expect?

Working with a different model each week (clothed, nude, and portrait), you will develop skills in drawing figures and faces, focusing on their shape, proportions, light, and shade. You will use a range of traditional drawing media and explore various approaches and techniques. The tutor will occasionally provide a short demonstration, especially when introducing unfamiliar techniques. The models' poses will be of longer duration compared to those in Bill’s "Life Drawing" courses. This course is suitable for people who have some prior experience in life drawing

Late starters allowed?

Yes, but this is a short course, so it is best to join by week 2.

Previous experience required?

Yes, some experience of drawing from live observation is recommended.

What is the progression route?

Other drawing courses.

Are there any extra costs?

Yes. Model fee of £42 (November) or £36 (June) for the course to be paid in cash to the tutor during first session.

Work set between sessions?

No, but it can be set if requested.

What should students bring?

To the first session, please bring: 

<ul>
<li>Several sheets of A3 and A2 white drawing paper, or an A2 sketch pad</li>
<li>An average pencil (e.g. HB, B) </li>
<li>An eraser</li>
<li>A few sticks of charcoal (ordinary willow charcoal rather than processed charcoal) or a 2B graphite stick (the chunky type, not the plastic-coated pencil-shaped ones) </li>
<li>A pencil-sharpener or knife</li>
<li>Masking-tape or drawing clips or bull-dog clips</li>
<li>Model fee of £36 in cash</li>
</ul>

Teaching method/style?

Practice, guidance and feedback. There will be short demonstrations and plenty of support from the tutor. Additionally, you will benefit from learning through the work of your fellow learners!

Equipment Required

Optional extras: you might sometimes like to bring:

<ul>
<li>A biro/ball-point or fine-tip black pen</li>
<li>Coloured sugar-paper (to use with white chalk, pastels or charcoal)</li>
<li>Coloured pastels or Conté crayons</li>
<li>Coloured water-soluble pencils</li>
<li>A tube of black, white and brown water-based paint</li>
<li>A couple of brushes (1 fine pointed-for lines, 1 broad-for areas)</li>
</ul>

Anything else you feel like drawing with.

Course Cancellations and Refunds

If we cancel your course

<ul>
<li>You will receive a full refund of course fees.</li>
<li>We are not responsible for any additional costs, such as materials already purchased.</li>
</ul>

If you cancel

<ul>
<li>7 days or more before the start date: refund minus a 20% administration fee.</li>
<li>Less than 7 days before the start date or after the course has started: no refund provided.</li>
<li>Enrolments are non-transferable. If you are unable to attend, you will not be able to send another person in your place.</li>
</ul>

Refund processing

<ul>
<li>Refunds for online or telephone enrolments will be made via the original payment method within 14 days of approval. </li>
<li>If you enrolled in the office, you will need to come in with your payment card to arrange a refund.</li>
</ul>

Transfers

<ul>
<li>7 days or more before the start date: transfer minus a 10% transfer fee.</li>
<li>Less than 7 days before the start date or after the course has started: no transfer provided.</li>
<li>All transfers are subject to availability.</li>
<li>Transfers between Language levels may be possible with less than 7 days notice, subject to availability.</li>
<li>Enrolments are non-transferable. If you are unable to attend, you will not be able to send another person in your place.</li>
<li>If we cancel your course, and you wish to transfer to another course this will be free of charge.</li>
</ul>

Illness and non-attendance

<ul>
<li>We recognise that illness and unforeseen circumstances may arise. However, please note that we are unable to offer refunds, credits, or transfers for missed sessions due to ill health or non-attendance.</li>
</ul>