Even if it isn’t your artistic medium of choice, the act of regularly putting pencil to paper will enhance many aspects of your creative pursuits. And yet, many people don’t draw because self-doubt tells them they can’t. This is such a waste!
It is with great pleasure that we welcome Jake Spicer back to the studio for a two day course dedicated to drawing the human form. So come, be taken under the wing of one of the UK’s most accomplished drawing tutors.
Whether you’re a complete novice or an experienced artist, we guarantee that you will not only leave feeling inspired but also with the confidence to take your newfound skills further.
With an emphasis on enhancing your observational skills, Jake will guide you in capturing the human form on paper, with a particular focus on using landmarks within the body and negative spaces without to sharpen your observational skills and improve the proportions of your figure drawings, working from a variety of different pose lengths.
The workshop will include practical exercises, an introduction to skeletal-muscular anatomy and practical demonstrations alongside one-to-one tuition from Jake. Signed copies of Jake’s new life drawing book ‘Figure Drawing’ will be available to buy at the studio for £20 (RRP £25)
COURSE DETAILS
DAY 1: SATURDAY
Observational skills and capturing the form.
Learning to interpret what you see in front of you, focusing on contour, shape, tone, form and gestures.
DAY 2: SUNDAY
Proportions and specific features.
Learning to get your proportions correct, tackling foreshortening and drawing faces, hands and feet.
This weekend course includes:
- A series of structured demonstrations and exercises
- Working from a life model who will pose for varying lengths of time
- Relaxed & attentive one-to-one guidance for every student
Suitable for?
Anyone, regardless of experience – we generally advise 14 years old+ though. Please note that the life model will be undressed throughout the class.
What is included in the price?
- Two full days’ teaching (10am-4.30pm)
- A professional life model
- Tea, coffee, biscuits/cake
- Drawing materials: A2 & A3 cartridge paper, Charcoal, Pencils, Graphite sticks & Erasers (please do feel free to bring any additional drawing materials that you like working with)
- Use of a beautiful purpose-built art studio with all the equipment & materials you will need
- Beautiful countryside setting
- Course notes and handouts
This course is for you if:
- You want to draw with more confidence and learn new skills
- You want to get away from it all and immerse yourself in a fun, creative environment
- You love creativity
Beyond the course
After the course you will be armed with many new skills to incorporate into your own art.
There are opportunities for you to continue to explore these at the Phoenix Studio (at our monthly life drawing classes and our other courses). We can also point you in the direction of other classes and venues local to you.
Jake has also written a number of excellent, accessible books about drawing if you wish to study his teachings further, signed copies will be available to buy from Jake during the weekend.
Need accommodation?
If you are travelling from further afield and would like to stay in the area for your visit then have a look at our recommended list of local B&Bs and hotels.
ABOUT THE TUTOR
Jake Spicer
The leader of the Drawing Circus, Jake is passionate about drawing and is equally passionate about teaching.
He’s a busy man – teaching multiple classes around the country – in Brighton, at West Dean College, touring with the Circus, The Camden Arts Centre and The National Portrait Gallery.
He writes books about drawing, has a monthly column for Artist & Illustrators magazine and gives lectures and classes on the applications of drawing as a tool for understanding, communication, artmaking and as a vehicle for social good. He is also undertaking a long term study into the fundamental processes of drawing and also paints when he can.
In the past he has worked with the BBC, ITV, Brighton University, The Big Draw, The Old Market Theatre, Creative Futures, Playgroup Festival, Brighton and Hove Museums & RAM, among others.
You can have a look at his website here.
Not only is life drawing an opportunity to hone your observational drawing skills, it is an chance to respond creatively to another person. Taking time to truly look at your model and make a personal, drawn response to their presence is a profoundly engaging and creatively stimulating act. Drawing together in a life class provides us with an opportunity to share ideas, borrow approaches from one another and to appreciate the breadth of different approaches that we all take to the subject of the human figure.
Jake Spicer – Course Tutor
I’ve been to many portrait courses and this one superseded them all 🙂
Jake was an excellent tutor. The course was well constructed and I picked up lots of useful tips. Our model – Manko – was the best I have worked from. Not only was she beautiful and very interesting to draw – she held poses and returned to poses with great accuracy. I would recommend this course to beginners or more practised artists.Pam Esseen
Had a really fun and informative day. Towersay is a great venue and always friendly and welcoming. Jake is an excellent teacher and explains every step well, his personality enthuses his students and l think we all looked at drawing from a new angle and Mike is a great model.
Steph Hudson
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