Drawing Courses All there is to know about our drawing courses in Bristol

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About Our Drawing Courses

We offer drawing and pastel courses for all creative abilities. From beginners, improvers, intermediates and advanced levels as well as mixed-ability there is bound to be one that suits you. Our classes and workshops teach drawing techniques on various subjects ranging from figures, faces to portraiture, landscapes and outdoors. Explore our wide range of exciting courses and sign-up now.

Beginners Drawing Classes

Friendly, supportive and structured courses for beginners developing their drawing skills.

Advanced Drawing Classes

Friendly, supportive and structured courses for advanced artists sharpening their drawing skills.

Improvers & Intermediates

Friendly, supportive and structured courses for intermediate artists improving their skills.

Mixed-ability Drawing Classes

Friendly, supportive and structured courses for all drawing abilities and skills.

2023/24

Drawing Classes - BEGINNERS

A friendly, supportive and structured course which will help beginners develop their drawing skills. You will learn to draw using pencil, charcoal, rubbers and more. You will explore line, tone and perspective through a series of exercises, designed to improve your confidence and ability.

Fee includes materials for the 1st session.

Tuesdays 9.30am to 12noon Mary Kelly
6 sessions from 12 September £118/£72 D94A   Stoke Lodge

And

Tuesdays 9.30am to 12noon Mary Kelly
6 sessions from 31 October £118/£72 D94B   Stoke Lodge

And

Tuesdays 9.30am to 12noon Mary Kelly
5 sessions from 9 January £99/£60 D94C   Stoke Lodge

And

Tuesdays 9.30am to 12noon Mary Kelly
5 sessions from 20 February £118/£72 D94D   Stoke Lodge

And

Tuesdays 9.30am to 12noon Mary Kelly
6 sessions from 16 April £118/£72 D94E   Stoke Lodge

And

Tuesdays 9.30am to 12noon Mary Kelly
6 sessions from 4 June £114/£72 D94F   Stoke Lodge

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Life Drawing - MIXED ABILITY

Learn to draw the human figure from observation. Drawing from a nude model, you will learn to see shape, proportion, light and shade more objectively. Later we will vary the pace, and you’ll be encouraged to vary your ways of drawing. Model fee of £35 for the course to be paid in cash to the tutor during first session.

Fridays 9.45am to 12.15pm Bill Guilding
6 sessions from 15 September £113/£68 D64A Stoke Lodge

And

Fridays 9.45am to 12.15pm Bill Guilding
6 sessions from 19 April £113/£68 D64E Stoke Lodge

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Drawing Figures And Faces From Life - MIXED ABILITY

Working from a different model each week (clothed, nude and portrait), you will develop skills in drawing figures and faces, their shape and proportions, light and shade. You will use a range of traditional drawing media and explore various approaches and techniques. Model fee of £35 for the course to be paid in cash to the tutor during first session.

Fridays 9.45am to 12.15pm Bill Guilding
6 sessions from 3 November £113/£68 D64B Stoke Lodge

And

Fridays 9.45am to 12.15pm Bill Guilding
6 sessions from 7 June £113/£68 D64F Stoke Lodge

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I Wish I Could Draw People! Drawing Figures And Faces - BEGINNERS & INTERMEDIATES
Portraiture From Life

Develop your skill at drawing or painting faces with an experienced portraiture tutor and artist. You will be drawing or painting from a different, clothed sitter each week. You may use any drawing medium you prefer including charcoal, pastels, or crayons. If you are a confident, fast painter, you may use paint (watercolour or acrylics can be used in the spirit of drawing). Model fee of £30 for the course to be paid in cash to the tutor during first session.

Fridays 9.45am to 12.15pm Bill Guilding
5 sessions from 23 February £95/£58 D64D Stoke Lodge

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Drawing Skills - MIXED ABILITY

Led by an experienced tutor, learners will make rapid progress and explore line, tone, measurement, texture, shading and composition. They will be taught how to ‘look’ and how to interpret what they see. Suitable for beginners and those wishing to improve.

Wednesdays 1pm to 3pm Roma Widger
6 sessions from 13 September £91/£55 D91A   Stoke Lodge

And

Wednesdays 1pm to 3pm Roma Widger
6 sessions from 1 November £91/£55 D91B   Stoke Lodge

And

Wednesdays 1pm to 3pm Roma Widger
5 sessions from 10 January £76/£46 D91C   Stoke Lodge

And

Wednesdays 1pm to 3pm Roma Widger
6 sessions from 21 February £91/£55 D91D   Stoke Lodge

And

Wednesdays 1pm to 3pm Roma Widger
6 sessions from 17 April £91/£55 D91E   Stoke Lodge

And

Wednesdays 1pm to 3pm Roma Widger
6 sessions from 5 June £91/£55 D91F   Stoke Lodge

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Just Charcoal - BEGINNERS & INTERMEDIATES

Drawing with charcoal is a popular medium that can create amazing results. This introduction to drawing with charcoal is suitable for the complete beginner or the more experienced artist. You will experiment with mark making and develop confidence, learning how the materials can be combined then proceed to finished pieces.

Thursdays 10am to 12.30pm Jenny Ibrahim
6 sessions from 14 September £116/£71 D60D   Stoke Lodge

And

Thursdays 10am to 12.30pm Jenny Ibrahim
6 sessions from 2 November £116/£71 D60E    Stoke Lodge

And

Thursdays 10am to 12.30pm Jenny Ibrahim
5 sessions from 11 January £97/£60 D60F   Stoke Lodge

And

Thursdays 10am to 12.30pm Jenny Ibrahim
6 sessions from 22 February £116/£71 D60G    Stoke Lodge

And

Thursdays 10am to 12.30pm Jenny Ibrahim
6 sessions from 18 April £116/£71 D60H    Stoke Lodge

And

Thursdays 10am to 12.30pm Jenny Ibrahim
6 sessions from 6 June £116/£71 D60J    Stoke Lodge

Book Now

Testimonials

Highly Recommended

The classes here have not just improved my technical skills, but they have also ignited a new passion in me. The comprehensive lessons cover everything from basics to advanced techniques, making it suitable for artists at any level. The instructors are patient, knowledgeable, and deeply inspiring.

Jasmine H.

Learner

Drawing

Sense of Community

I joined the classes as a novice and the transformation I’ve undergone has been remarkable. It has helped me to develop skills I previously believed were beyond my reach. There’s a sense of community in our class that I cherish — we learn from each other as much as from our fantastic instructor

Leo P

Learner

Drawing

Thoughtful and Constructive

Being part of these art classes has been an exhilarating experience. Each session brings forth new techniques, tools, and perspectives that have added richness and depth to my artwork. The feedback I receive is thoughtful and constructive, allowing me to improve while retaining my personal style.

Mark D.

Learner

Drawing

Redefined My Preconceptions

The drawing classes I have taken at Stoke Lodge completely redefined my preconceptions of drawing. The instructor’s patient guidance has helped me unlock an artistic side I never knew I had. Now, not only can I create my own pieces, but I understand and appreciate art more deeply.

Sarah J.

Learner

Drawing

Warm & Encouraging Environment

It’s been a journey of self-discovery for me. I came into this course with a bit of hesitation but the warm, encouraging environment created by our talented instructor made all the difference. Their approach to teaching drawing — focusing on both technique and expression — is absolutely brilliant.

Mark D.

Learner

Drawing

Our Tutors

Bill Building

Jenny Ibrahim

Mary Kelly

Roma Widger

Sheila Broun

Gallery

A showcase of our learners’ work

Drawing Artwork 11

Drawing Artwork 2

Drawing Artwork 9

Drawing Artwork 15

Drawing Artwork 1

Drawing Artwork 4

Drawing Artwork 16

Drawing Artwork 3

Portrait Drawing 1

Drawing Artwork 14

Drawing Artwork 5

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the courses like?

The tutor will work with you on individual aspects of your project.

A suitable project can be anything from foot stool or dining chair to a small armchair or wing chair. Learners have even chosen to upholster headboards for beds. The techniques learned depend to an extent on the project you bring, from webbing and springing to stitched edges, box cushions and other soft furnishings.

Courses are hands-on from the start and you will begin work on your project during the first lesson. There may be dust involved when stripping the furniture and loose tacks and staples on the floor therefore dress appropriately and wear suitable footwear.
Where do the courses take place?

Courses take place in our workshop at Stoke Lodge. Stoke Lodge is our adult learning centre off Shirehampton Road in Stoke Bishop. The building has been hosting adult learning classes for over 50 years and is a beautiful old house set in fantastic grounds. We have plenty of free car parking and our back car park is closest to the annexe building and the upholstery classroom.

The upholstery room is a spacious room on the ground floor of our annexe building. The room has large windows and French doors that open out to the grounds so there is plenty of natural light.
Are refreshments available

Yes, we have a morning and an afternoon tea/coffee break at Stoke Lodge.

Drinks are served in the main building (just next to the annexe) and we charge £1 for a cup of tea, coffee or herbal tea with biscuits.

Tea breaks are a great way to step away from your project, grab a drink and catch up with learners on your course or those on other courses in the building. Its always a nice social part of the day where everyone gets the chance to stretch their legs and refresh.
Do I need previous experience?
This depends on your level of skills and experience. See list below for the different levels and type of courses.
- Absolute Beginners
- Beginners
- Improvers
- Intermediates
- Experienced
- Advanced
- Summer Schools
- Weekend Workshops
You can find out more about the different levels in the about section and course competency table above.
Do I need to bring anything?
Anything else I need to know?

Your question is not here? Contact Us

Contact Us

Need more information regarding our painting courses? You can call us on 0117 903 8844, email or visit us in person at Stoke Lodge. Office hours applies.

Info

0117 903 8844

stokelodge@bristol.gov.uk

Address

Stoke Lodge Adult Learning Centre
Shirehampton Road, Bristol, BS9 1BN

Drawing Courses All there is to know about our drawing courses in Bristol

About Our Drawing Courses

Beginners Drawing Classes

Advanced Drawing Classes

Improvers & Intermediates

Mixed-ability Drawing Classes

2023/24

Testimonials

Highly Recommended

Sense of Community

Thoughtful and Constructive

Redefined My Preconceptions

Warm & Encouraging Environment

Our Tutors

Bill Building

Jenny Ibrahim

Mary Kelly

Roma Widger

Sheila Broun

Gallery

Drawing Artwork 11

Drawing Artwork 2

Drawing Artwork 9

Drawing Artwork 15

Drawing Artwork 1

Drawing Artwork 4

Drawing Artwork 16

Drawing Artwork 3

Portrait Drawing 1

Drawing Artwork 14

Drawing Artwork 5

Frequently Asked Questions

Contact Us

Info

Address

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