Course overview

We will learn how to draw chosen animal portraits (students can get to draw their own pets or those of friends) in pencil, charcoal with white pastel for highlights, pen and coloured pencils and pastels. Advice will be given on materials, but please have a pencil, eraser and cartridge paper ready for the first session. Artists studied will be Durer, Rembrandt, Landseer, David Shepherd and Lucian Freud up to living masters and countless contemporary examples. Learn the thrilling skill of drawing animal portraits - achieve an ability to create a likeness, while developing your own style, in a supportive friendly group.

Course description

For many prospective art students, the thought of learning to draw an animal portrait is quite daunting, However, challenging yourself to confront this can be incredibly rewarding. The first time you achieve something akin to a real, convincing likeness is quite thrilling, and rest assured, it is a taught skill. This course is structured so you will learn skills of proportion, perspective, line, tone, texture and colour and be able to clearly analyse requirements for the task. We will begin each session by looking at carefully chosen art historical and contemporary examples, then the tutor’s filmed demo will be run, to give you an example of how to achieve this (and sometimes what not to do!). The group will then be directed to carry out the task, having been placed in a ‘breakout room’ in which a smaller selection of students gather; in order to be given appropriate advice and direction from the tutor. You get to see how the others are doing, which can be fascinating, and on occasion quite comforting. It is great to be with like-minded students and enjoy an appreciation of animals. This course is for complete beginners and those looking to improve their skills and develop their own style.

What financial support is available?

We don't want anything to stand in your way when it comes to bringing Adult learning within reach so if you need anything to support you to achieve your goals then speak to one of our education experts during your enrolment journey. Most of our courses are government funded but if you don't qualify or need alternative financial help to access them then let us know.

What other support is available?

All of our digital content, teaching and learning activities and assessments are designed to be accessible so if you need any additional support you can discuss this with the education experts during your enrolment journey and we will do all we can to make sure you have optimal access.

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