In this class we will explore drawing through a series of therapeutic art and mindfulness exercises. This class is designed to encourage students to free the mind of judgement and explore the realms of unpredictability and subconscious creation. You will be lead through simple techniques of mark making, pattern and experimental drawing with a focus on breathing and sensation. As well as drawing to music, poems and film, we will be taking a look at a few artists who have worked within the realms of the abstract drawing and the subconscious. The aim of this class is to quieten our conscious mind and place our thoughts completely in the present, in turn creating a deeper connection with ourselves and the world around us.

In this 6 week workshop series, you will discover classical methods of drawing objects and still life scenes from observation. Designed in an approachable, step by step way, so that everyone from beginners to advanced artists can become more confident in drawing from life. - In week 1 we will start off by looking at everything you need to start an observational drawing including materials, lighting and setup. We will do some short introductory drawing exercises. - In week 2 we will look at the fundamentals of drawing a single object, using methods of measuring, basic line drawing and geometric shape. - In week 3 we will look at light and shadow and how to describe the three dimensional volume of a planed object. - In week 4 we will develop our knowledge of light, shadow and tone by learning to draw curved and cylindrical objects. -In week 5 we will look at how to compose multiple objects within a scene and will learn how to draw this still life scene with a focus on perspective. - In week 6 we will do a final drawing of a still life scene, and will take a look at how to finalise your pencil drawings by working into shadows and amplifying highlights, using blending techniques and finally, understanding the correct fixing and storage of your drawings.