Movement, Music & the Model (Creative Life Drawing) with Bella Franks, 6/7 June

Movement, Music & the Model (Creative Life Drawing) with Bella Franks, 6/7 June

Brighton and London-based figurative artist & yoga teacher Bella Franks is all about ‘the art of the body’ – using the mind & body connection to fully appreciate the human form through creativity.

Bella runs unique life drawing events in living rooms, studios, members clubs & offices for private groups as well as brands & corporates – making the art practise open & accessible to all. Her extensive list of clients include Soho House, Facebook, Papier, Propercorn, Detox Kitchen, Peligoni Club, Hurr, Innocent Drinks, Allbright, to name a few. We’re excited for her to bring her bits & bobs to teach at the Phoenix Studio!

Over this two day course, each morning will begin with a yoga class (9.30-10.30am) before you start the fun process of making art. The yoga class is optional, but Bella encourages students to join in – it is open to all levels & will be a gentle class aimed at stretching the body in preparation for creativity to flow throughout the weekend.

Bella has been drawing the human form for over 16 years and tutors the practise as well as being a life model herself. This invaluable experience from both sides of the canvas has made her well equipped to help others explore the practise. The course will cover practical tools to help you with proportions, mark making & tone, as well as giving the freedom to explore your own freedom of expression & style. There will be the chance to incorporate print-making & collage in your work.

Bella works with live musicians to inspire her work and will be giving students a taste of this – her course will be accompanied by live music. The interplay between music, movement and the life model is unique & inspiring and Bella hopes this extra level of creative expression will help you explore a new openness in your own work.

COURSE OUTLINE

DAY 1

Morning yoga

Observational drawing from the human form – short to medium length poses aimed at learning the tools of the practise, while giving you space to develop your mark making skills & expression.

Live music accompanying the life drawing class

A home cooked vegan meal by James is available pre-ordered at lunchtime

DAY 2

Morning yoga

Incorporate mixed media – developing your work from Saturday, as well as continuing to work from the life model who will be holding a long pose throughout the day.

Choose to work on one or multiple pieces of work.

You will get the chance to explore Linocut printing, mono-printing & collage under Bella’s guidance.

A home cooked meal by James is available pre-ordered at lunchtime

This fun course includes:

  • Informal, relaxed & attentive guidance for every student, provided by Bella
  • Approaches to drawing the human form – covering proportion, line, tone & gesture
  • Step-by-step demonstrations in linocut printing & mono printing
  • Live music accompanying one of the drawing sessions
  • Art materials – paper, basic drawing materials, linocut & mono printing equipment, papers for collage

Suitable for?

Anyone regardless of experience.

We generally limit the age to 14 years old+ though exceptions can be made where appropriate. Please contact James Orts and ask.

What is included in the price?

  • Two tutored full days of life drawing with a model (11am-4.30pm)
  • Art materials
  • Live music on Saturday during the class
  • Tea, coffee, biscuits/cakes
  • Use of a beautiful, purpose built art studio with all the equipment & materials you will need
  • Beautiful countryside setting

Additional costs:

  • Morning yoga £5 each day (9.30-10.30am)
  • Home cooked vegan lunch £10 each day (pre-order with James)
  • Saturday evening gig & performance (BYOB & picnic)

This course is for you if:

  • You hope to become more familiar with the life drawing practise – from a theoretical & practical level
  • You want to explore your creativity but lack the confidence to do so on your own
  • You want to become fully immersed in a creative environment – through movement, music & art

Pre course prep

Bella’s courses are largely self-contained so you do not need to do any special preparation. However, Sunday gives students the option to incorporate collage into their work. If that is appealing, please gather magazines, cuttings, inspiring texts and anything you would like to use for this.

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 recommend B&Bs and hotels.  Click here for the list.

Beyond The Course

Having completed a Phoenix Studio weekend many of our students choose to explore the medium further. They may come on another weekend course, start coming to our Creative Monday Sessions, evening sessions or carry on independently at home. We are more than happy to help and advise you in taking those first creative steps!

£180 for the whole course including your tuition, tools and materials

NB additional costs do apply for yoga class and homemade lunch

BOOK NOW TO SECURE YOUR PLACE ON THIS POPULAR COURSE.

Complete the booking form (top right of your screen, or scroll down if you’re on a mobile).

ABOUT THE TUTOR

Bella Franks

Artist Bella lives a vibrant and enlightened existence – full of energy and enthusiasm for all things creative.
For the last 8 years she has run pop-up art classes with her business ‘Bella’s Bits & Bobs’ – bringing life drawing to venues around London, Brighton, Greece and New York. Bella’s classes offer a unique experience for people to find themselves at the drawing board with a glass of wine (or tea!) in one hand and a stick of charcoal in the other. Bella’s encouragement helps her students to feel relaxed and comfortable and ready to take on the challenge of drawing the human form.
Bella is also a yoga teacher so combines her art teaching with yoga on weekend and week long retreats – focusing on ‘The Art of the Body’.  Bella believes that practising art helps to cultivate a healthy mind, while a regular yoga practice cultivates a healthy body.
I am forever inspired by the human form and love the opportunity to encourage students to become inspired too.
The Phoenix Studio is my absolute favourite studio and I can’t wait to bring my art, yoga & music to such a special place!

Bella Franks – Course Tutor

Bella gets wonderful feedback from the people who attend her courses.  Here are just a couple of testimonials:

I have been attending Bella’s classes since 2014. Bella has a real passion for life-drawing which she shares with her students creating an encouraging, comfortable atmosphere for everyone. Beginners are given the support they need to feel relaxed in the environment. Bella puts together beautiful playlists of music which compliment the drawing completely, and I cannot recommend her classes highly enough for a fully immersive, unique experience.

Bella’s yoga classes are an equally special experience. As a beginner I find them extremely welcoming, not in the least intimidating and her focus on breathing ensures you finish feeling calm and relaxed.

Flavia, Art Teacher 

Bella has introduced me to life drawing. I’m a total art novice and have found it a way to relax and engage in a meditative practice. My normal port of call is sport, sport, sport however Bella’s teaching has encouraged me and brought a new activity to my life. I look forward to more drawing. 

Tomas Coulter

Bella Franks – artist and creative soul. Bella’s classes combine a relaxed, inclusive, fun vibe with music and of course her artistic talents which she shares with you in abundance.  Bella’s style of teaching is encouraging and supportive, and can adapt to the absolute beginner or more experienced artists, and across artistic mediums.  Importantly, her classes are delivered with an unassuming and extremely fun air about herself, which sets the perfect scene to channel your inner Picasso!  Bella is a rare soul in this hectic world that we live in, and her classes are everything as brilliant as she is.

Mike Pickett


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