I Wish I Could Draw People! Figures And Faces-Beginners & Intermediates

This course is available for enrolment.

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Course code: P56A

An opportunity to develop figure and portrait drawing skills, starting with photographs and moving to clothed models in the last 3 sessions.

when: From 16 Jan 2026 to 13 Feb 2026
Fri 09:45-12:15 5 weeks
Tutor: Bill Guilding

where

Stoke Lodge

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

fees

full fee for this course £105.00, concession fee £63.00

who

Bristol Adult Learning

stokelodge@bristol.gov.uk

0117 903 8844

Description

A 5-week course in drawing figures and faces, using photographs for 2 sessions and a clothed model for 3. Mainly using pencils. Beginners welcome.

What can students expect?

You will start by learning the basic principles of figure drawing, focusing on the shapes and proportions of the human body. Your tutor will demonstrate observational drawing techniques to support your learning. 

You will initially draw figures from photographs of dancers, acrobats, and athletes to understand movement and form. In the second half of the course, you will draw from a live model dressed in plain, close-fitting clothing, applying the skills you developed in earlier sessions.

You will spend more time drawing full figures than faces, with simplified facial features that emphasize head turns and tilts rather than fine details.

You will mainly use a pencil, but you may also choose to work with charcoal or coloured pencils if you wish.

Late starters allowed?

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

Previous experience required?

No.

What is the progression route?

Other drawing courses, especially Life Drawing.

Are there any extra costs?

Yes. Model fee of £18 for the course to be paid in cash to the tutor at the first session.

Work set between sessions?

No, but it can be set if requested.

What should students bring?

<ul>
<li>A normal HB or B pencil </li>
<li>An eraser</li>
<li>Several sheets of A3 white paper</li>
<li>Model fee of £18 in cash</li>
</ul>

Teaching method/style?

Each session includes instruction and a short demonstration, but you will mainly be drawing and receiving feedback from the tutor.

Equipment Required

Optional extras: 

If you wish, you may use charcoal, graphite-stick or coloured-pencil.

Refunds and cancellations

Course Cancellations by Us

• If we cancel your course, your fees will be refunded in full.

• We cannot reimburse the cost of any materials you may have purchased.

Cancellations by You

• If you cancel 7 days or more before the course start date: Refund issued minus a 20% administration fee.

• If you cancel less than 7 days before the start date or after the course has started: No refund will be issued.

Transfers

• Transfers must be requested at least 7 days before the course start date.

• A 10% transfer fee applies.

• Transfers due to our cancellation of your original course are free of charge.

Illness and Absence

• No refunds are available for non-attendance due to sickness or ill health.

How Refunds Are Issued

• Refunds are returned via the original payment method:

• Booked online or by phone - Refund to the card used.

• Paid in person at Stoke Lodge - Please bring your payment card to the office.

Online Course Access

• Learners are responsible for ensuring they have suitable internet access and equipment before the course begins.

• No refunds will be issued due to technical issues with a learner’s own internet or computer.