Always wanted to know how to draw? Well why not join this fun, relaxed course? We will cover many topics including basic shapes, shading and drawing from subjects including a Life Model. This course provides an introduction to a range of drawing skills and materials required to produce representational drawings. Fun and challenging exercises will encourage students to develop their skills and personal style in a supportive learning environment.

Students will draw from still-life arrangements in the studio to tune their observation skills, establish proportions, explore tone and shading, create mood and investigate ways to create the illusion of space in their drawings. Fun and relaxing, this drawing course for beginners is accessible to anyone wanting to explore their creative potential.

Course Outline

• Drawing basic shapes
• Using shading
• Drawing from an assembled still life
• Drawing subjects: Flora and Fauna
• Drawing with perspective: Bring along a photograph of a street at your favourite holiday destination, or an image of an interesting building
• Drawing people and portraits: Participants will discuss the rules of proportion of the human body and begin to look at features of the face, ending in a complete portrait study from a photo of their choice
• Life drawing: Towards the end of the course you will be able to put your newly found skills to the test by drawing a life model

Materials List

Participants need to bring the following materials to their first class of this drawing course:

• Drawing pads (A3 size).
• A range of pencils: HB, 2B 4B, 6B and a pencil sharpener.
• White hard Staedtler erasers.

In addition to these materials you will need to bring along some photographs to use as subject matter:

• A sample of plants or flowers, either real or photographs.
• Photographs of animals and birds or favourite pets.
• Photographs of buildings, streetscapes, favourite holiday destinations, anything that shows a building in perspective.
• Photographs of people, family members or ancestors.
• Additional materials / other media will be discussed the first day.

If you are unable to source all of the items please do not worry. Bring along what you can to the first session and John can help you source any items you could not find/purchase. Black or White watercolour paints are not needed.

Please Note: NBMC is not liable to for any loss incurred if a class is cancelled please check with the college by calling 02) 9970 1000 or emailing enquiries@nbMc.nsw.edu.au before purchasing materials.

Recommended Art Suppliers

Local Suppliers

Eckersley’s Arts and Craft Brookvale
1/648 Pittwater Rd, Brookvale
Ph: 02 8058 9491

The Art Shop
12/20 Bungan St, Mona Vale
Ph: 02 9979 6559

Manly Art Supplies
8 Belgrave St, Manly
Ph: 02 9977 4107

Riot Arts and Crafts
Westfield Warringah Mall, Brookvale
Ph: 02 9905 0910

About the tutor

John Wells has a Foundation and Pre Diploma from the Rochester College of Art, a Diploma in Art and Design (First Class Honours) from Brighton College of Art and Design and a Master of Fine Art Degree from Reading University. John is a professional artist, and produces murals and works in trompe l’oeil for clients as diverse as Meriton Apartments and Fox Studios. John has extensive teaching experience in the adult education sector.