Contemporary Life Drawing

COURSE CODE: E2502DR002

COURSE DATES: Wednesdays 14 January - 25 March 2026

TUTOR: Zoe Toolan

DAYS: 10

TIMES: 10:30am – 4:30pm

EXPERIENCE LEVEL: All Levels

FEE: Early Bird: £607.50 / Standard Price: £675

LOCATION: Bankside Campus, 185 Park Street, SE1 9BL

Traditional, skill based life drawing is complemented with contemporary drawing approaches in this exciting and multifaceted drawing course.

Working with life models throughout, students will begin the course by learning fundamental observational drawing skills in relation to the human form. This grounding will instill practical knowledge and confidence, which will then be used as a springboard for contemporary ways of thinking and working. As well as creating finished pieces, the drawing process will be firmly acknowledged as an art form in itself. Through innovative practical exercises, formal experimentation and group discussion, you will receive a holistic approach to drawing.

Your tutor will support you fully throughout the course in both group sessions and one-to-one support, providing very regular feedback, critique and constructive advice.

Students will be able to:

  • Experiment with different approaches to drawing the body.
  • Understand and apply measurement techniques.
  • Create rapid, intuitive drawing from short poses using a variety of media. 
  • Create drawings from long poses using a variety of media. 
  • Use drawing techniques convey the feeling of mass, volume, form and texture. 
  • Capture the body in motion and draw moving forms using experimental techniques. 
  • Explore different ways of creating space within drawings through composition.
  • Research, plan and complete a self initiated project.
  • Apply safe-working practices at all times.

Recommend booking by: January 5, 2026

COURSE SCHEDULE

All Levels

All attendees must be aged 18 and over.

This course is suitable for all levels. Students can move at their own pace depending on their experience, with as much support from the Tutor as they wish. This means an student from the following experience levels can join this course:

Beginner

Choose a Beginners course if you are looking for a broad introduction to the medium you are studying. Our Beginner courses are suitable for students with no prior experience.

Beginner +

Choose a Beginner + course if you are looking to hone your skills, focus on a specific subject area and build your confidence. These courses are suitable for those with some basic skills in and knowledge of the taught medium.

Intermediate

Our Intermediate courses are suitable for students who have considerable prior knowledge of the taught medium or have completed a Beginners/Beginners + course with the Art Academy.

Advanced

Choose our Advanced courses if you have considerable knowledge in the taught medium. You are expected to be able to work independently and have critical discussions around your work.

YOU MUST BRING YOUR OWN MATERIALS

You will need to have a good range of drawing materials – including but not limited to – willow and compressed charcoal, range of pencils, eraser and putty rubber, fine line pens.

See above for other preparation requirements each week.If you do not have your own materials, we recommend you order a Drawing Pack at the time of booking which will be available when you arrive for your first class. You can purchase this via the following link;  http://artacademy.org.uk/evening-classes/materials/

Zoe Toolan

Zoe Toolan is a working class artist educator from Yorkshire now based in Brighton. Her art is live and social with drawing at its core and learning integrated into her practice instead of a separate activity; she often challenges what drawing is with the aim of opening discussion and debate around wider issues. Zoe is passionate about art being an essential part of everyone’s everyday life and has shown work in spaces ranging from traditional galleries to music festivals. She has completed projects for bodies including L.A.D.A. and Axis, and is a contributing author to DK’s The Artist’s Manual.  

http://www.zklt.co.uk 

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.

Original price was: £675.00.Current price is: £607.50.

Early Bird 10% off until the 17th of November

Artwork by students in the Contemporary Life Drawing course

Original price was: £675.00.Current price is: £607.50.