Beginner

All attendees must be aged 18 and over.

Choose a Beginners course if you are looking for a broad introduction to the medium you are studying. Students spend time learning the very basics of the taught medium, for example, how to mix colours, use different tools, set up an easel. Our Beginner courses are suitable for students with no prior experience, they tend to follow a more structured path than our other courses, ensuring each student receives the guidance they need from the tutor.

You will need to bring your own drawing materials to the class and these materials must be taken with you at the end of each session. If you do not have your own materials, we recommend you order the Pack, below, at the time of booking, which will be available when you arrive for your first class. There is also a mini shop in the Academy that supplies the basics such as pencils, sketchbooks, putty rubbers etc. (card purchases only).

Please also bring an apron or old clothing to wear.

The Drawing Pack contains:
• One set of lead pencils (2B, 4B, 6B)
• One box of medium willow charcoal sticks (25 pieces)
• One ​box ​of willow charcoal extra thick​ individual​ stick
• One stick of chalk
• One box of compressed charcoal sticks (12 pieces)
• Six ​D​erwent pastel pencils, can be used wet or dry
• One putty rubber​ in a box​
• One eraser
• O​n​e auto lock knife (pencil sharpener for Drawing in Museums)

  Please note that pack contents are subject to change at the discretion of the Academy at any time.

  

JAMES OTTO ALLEN

James Otto Allen studied Fine Art at Camberwell College of Arts, Accademia delle Belle Arti, Viterbo, Italy and gained a BA in Fine Art from the University of Wales, Cardiff. He was awarded the Harry Holland Prize for ‘Best Figurative Artist’ on graduating and his work has been shortlisted for the BP Portrait Awards. James exhibits regularly with the ‘Royal Society of Portrait Painters’ and his work has also appeared in the ING Discerning Eye and Painter Stainers Company exhibitions. He studied anatomy and biomechanics, aligning his figurative work with the discipline of scientific study of the human body. James has over 15 years experience teaching art and workshops to students of all levels. In his studio while executing commissions and paintings, he surrounds himself with anatomical plaster casts of skulls, torsos and other anatomical aids for constant reference.

Bankside Campus

185 Park Street,London SE1 9BL

tel: +44 (0) 207407 6969

This is our new purpose built accessible campus. Find more information here

Nearest Tube/ Rail: London Bridge or Southwark (both a 10-15 minute walk).

Please note that London Bridge has two exits, the most direct route is to follow signs to “Borough Market”.

Students are welcome to use The Hub during break times, where you can prepare hot drinks and/or food. You must bring your own keep-cup, water bottle or food container to the Academy as mugs, glasses, and containers will not be available in our Bankside campus.

Tea and coffee will be provided by the Academy and is available from the island unit at the end of The Hub.

Terms and Conditions

• By booking onto one of our courses you agree to our Short Courses Terms and Conditions.
• You will need to have paid in full before the first session of your class. Your place is not guaranteed until we have received full payment. Please book early in order to guarantee your place on the course.

Materials & Equipment

• If you purchased a pack online this will be given to you on the first session of your course upon your arrival. Packs can be booked on our Materials Page or on this page when you book the course
• Please don’t wear your best clothes as there is always a chance you will get messy. If possible bring an apron or overalls.
• All artwork at the Academy MUST be taken home at the end of each session where possible, with the exception of oil paintings and sculpture works.
• We cannot store materials at the Academy, so please take these to and from your sessions.
• Please ensure that your mobile phone is switched off or is on silent during the class.
• Health and Safety Guidelines will be provided to you a week before the start of your course.

Concessions and Discounts

We offer a number of concessions and discounts, please find more information on what we offer here.

Gift Vouchers

If you would like to purchase a gift voucher to be used on our courses then you can purchase these here.