Introduction to Drawing and Painting Course

This Introduction to Drawing and Painting Course provides students with a strong foundation in the fundamental techniques of drawing and painting, following the BAA academic art method. Designed for beginners and developing artists, the course combines structured exercises with independent practice to build confidence, observation skills, and technical understanding.

First Half of the Course: Drawing

The first half of the course focuses on the fundamentals of drawing, introducing students to essential techniques and concepts through a series of practical exercises. Students will work from photographic references to create still life drawings, portrait drawings, and figure drawings.

The primary materials are pencil and charcoal, allowing students to develop control of line, proportion, texture, tone, and shading. Exercises are designed to establish a solid foundation in observational drawing while helping beginners develop accuracy, confidence, and a better understanding of form and volume.

Second Half of the Course: Painting

The second half of the course introduces students to the fundamentals of oil painting, with a particular focus on colour theory and oil painting techniques. Students will explore how colour, light, and value can be used to describe form and create depth in a painting.

Students will learn the grisaille painting technique, study the relationship between light and shadow, and explore layering methods used in oil painting. These exercises provide an introduction to building volume, depth, and tonal structure while developing a practical understanding of the painting process.

Teaching Methodology

The course is structured around independent and progressive learning. During each session, instructors provide individual feedback and guidance on students’ work. This allows participants to progress at their own pace while learning through practical, hands-on experience.

The course is not structured as a private lesson. Instead, it offers a shared studio environment where students can work independently while benefiting from the close guidance of the instructors. This approach encourages regular practice, experimentation, and the development of each student’s individual artistic process.

Course Structure and Schedule

The course is divided into two progressive stages: the first half focuses on drawing techniques and academic drawing fundamentals, while the second half focuses on painting techniques, colour, and oil painting.

Students can attend one or two classes per week, on Mondays and/or Wednesdays. Students attending one class per week will complete fewer exercises, but will still cover the full range of course content.

Each group consists of approximately 14 students per instructor, creating a collaborative studio environment while allowing instructors to provide regular, individualised feedback and support throughout the course.

Materials

Course materials are not included in the tuition fee. Students will receive a recommended materials list with their enrolment confirmation email, providing all the information needed to prepare the appropriate materials before the course begins.