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A hand drawing with charcoal

Simply Drawing!

  • Ages: 18+
  • Term: Spring
  • Length: 10 weeks

Overview

On this course, you'll have the chance to simply learn how to draw! You'll focus on observational drawing and take the time to finesse and enjoy this traditional medium.

To book your place today, simply click the 'Book Now' button to be taken to AUB's secure online store, where you can complete your booking. You can also sign up to our newsletter for short course updates.

What you need to know

Spring term 2025

Tuesday 4 February – 8 April 2025 (10 Tuesdays, 18.00-21.00)

Age

Suitable for adults aged 18+.

Level

Beginners or anyone with some experience who want to refresh or develop their skills further.

Experience or qualifications required

None – this is an introductory course. We have no formal academic entry requirements for our short courses.

If you'd like to discuss if this course is suitable for you, get in touch with us: shortcourses@aub.ac.uk or 01202 363222.

£339

Any additional costs

You'll need to provide some art materials and equipment to use on the course. This'll incur an additional cost if you need to purchase it for the course. See the 'What to bring to class' section below for full details.

Additional materials and resources will be provided by AUB and is included in your course fee.

  • Notebook and pens/pencils to make notes
  • A3 sketchbook
  • Drawing pencils
  • Rubber
  • Pencil sharpener
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Suggested Suppliers

Information about resourcing specialist materials/consumables that you may need to bring these with you

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Short Courses FAQs – Evening and Weekend and Saturday Art School

If you have any questions about our Evening and Saturday Short Courses, you may find the answers in here.

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Short Courses booking T&Cs

Please read our Terms and Conditions carefully before booking onto our Evening and Weekend courses.

About this course

There isn’t a magic recipe to learning to draw, but anyone can do it. This course will fully support you on your drawing journey, and it's the perfect place to develop your skills and practice.

This course has been specially designed to focus on observational hand drawing. Through relaxed but structured classes, you'll learn and master basic techniques at a steady pace. Each week you'll practise and build upon essential techniques through a variety of observational drawing projects.

You'll start your drawing journey with mark-making and learn about the weight of the line, shading, contrast, and tone. You'll also explore how to make something appear 3D, as well as how to incorporate light sources, consider simple composition, depth of field and basic perspective.

As the course progresses, you'll be introduced a wide variety of drawing techniques, styles, different mediums, and inspiring projects that'll accelerate learning, specialist skills and techniques to foster confidence and individual creativity.

  • Different mediums, including pencil, pen and charcoal
  • Fundamental drawing principles, including tone, weight of the line, shading, and contrast
  • Advanced drawing techniques, including how to make something appear 3D, incorporate light sources, consider simple composition, depth of field and basic perspective
  • How to finesse your observational drawing skills through a range of fun projects

At the end of the course you'll:

  • Possess improved artistic and drawing skills
  • Understand fundamental drawing principles
  • Be able to tackle a still life project
  • Possess the skills to be able to create 3D images
  • Be able to use drawing as a means of relaxation
  • Have increased confidence in your own skills and feel inspired
  • Have boosted creativity and imagination
  • Possess the foundations to continue creating beyond this course
  • You can request a certificate to confirm your achievements, providing you've a 100% attendance record. To request a certificate please get in touch with us at shortcourses@aub.ac.uk and confirm your name and the title of course you've completed

Will I be assessed?

No, there is no formal assessment. You’ll group share your work at the end of each session with the intention to support, inspire and encourage each other’s learning. 

As the course progresses your tutor will measure your overall performance and offer essential guidance and feedback, so you know how you're getting on.

Text reads: join our creative community

Book your place today

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Meet your tutor

Jessica Tipper

Jessica Tipper

Jessica Tipper is an artist and teacher with a wide and varied practice that bridges the gap between digital and traditional art forms.

Beyond the course

This could just be the start of your creative journey! After this course, you could further your sketching skills with another short course or look to the future and explore our creative qualifications that can prepare you to further your current career, enable you to retrain to an alternative career path or prepare you for future creative arts studies.

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Why choose AUB for your short course?

We're a first-choice provider of art and design short courses for anyone wishing to engage in art and design subjects in their spare time.

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Reasons to study a short course

There are plenty of reasons to consider studying a creative short course. Perhaps you want to retrain, learn new skills, or just have fun...

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How to book

Looking to book onto one of our Evening and Saturday courses? You’ll find everything you need to book your place here.

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