Drawing Figures And Faces From Life-Mixed Ability

This course is available for enrolment.

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Course code: P55A

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

when: From 07 Nov 2025 to 19 Dec 2025
Fri 09:45-12:15 7 weeks
Tutor: Bill Guilding

where

Stoke Lodge

Stoke Lodge Centre, Shirehampton Road
Stoke Bishop
Bristol
BS9 1BN

fees

full fee for this course £146.00, concession fee £88.00

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 £36 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.

Refunds and cancellations

Course Cancellations by Us

<ul>
<li>If we cancel your course, your fees will be refunded in full.</li>
<li>We cannot reimburse the cost of any materials you may have purchased.</li>
</ul>

Cancellations by You

<ul>
<li>If you cancel 7 days or more before the course start date: Refund issued minus a 20% administration fee.</li>
<li>If you cancel less than 7 days before the start date or after the course has started: No refund will be issued.</li>
</ul>

Transfers

<ul>
<li>Transfers must be requested at least 7 days before the course start date.</li>
<li>A 10% transfer fee applies.</li>
<li>Transfers due to our cancellation of your original course are free of charge.</li>
</ul>

Illness and Absence

<ul>
<li>No refunds are available for non-attendance due to sickness or ill health.</li>
</ul>

How Refunds Are Issued

<ul>
<li>Refunds are returned via the original payment method:</li>
<li>Booked online or by phone - Refund to the card used.</li>
<li>Paid in person at Stoke Lodge - Please bring your payment card to the office.</li>
</ul>

Online Course Access

<ul>
<li>Learners are responsible for ensuring they have suitable internet access and equipment before the course begins.</li>
<li>No refunds will be issued due to technical issues with a learner’s own internet or computer</li>
</ul>