Drawing for Beginners Plus

COURSE CODE: EC2503016

COURSE DATES: Mondays, 20th April – 8th June 2026

TUTOR: David Gardner

DAYS: 8

TIMES: 6:30pm – 9:00pm

EXPERIENCE LEVEL: Ages 18+, Beginner +

FEE: £275

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

Advance your drawing skills to the next stage through the exciting thematic approach that this course offers. Tailored to those who have previously completed our Drawing for Beginners course, or have an initial understanding of the medium, each session provides inventive drawing methods to investigate a variety of subjects, such as:

  • Harmonious composition
  • Expressive mark-making
  • Using observation and measurement techniques to accurately portray a life model
  • Rhythm and the relationship between music and drawing
  • Mirror reflections
  • Conveying emotion
  • Portraiture

As the course progresses, you will develop a comprehensive understanding of different drawing techniques, enhance your ability to observe and interpret various subjects, and increase your confidence in self-expression. This is a fun and creative approach to developing ideas and drawing processes in an engaging studio environment, with the opportunity to work from a life model in select sessions.

After completion, we recommend signing up to our Intermediate Drawing course.

Please note: The course overview provides a general overview of course content and may be subject to minor changes at the tutors discretion.

Recommend booking by: April 6, 2026

Beginner +

All attendees must be aged 18 and over.

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, but still follow a structured path with guidance 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.

DAVID GARDNER

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.

£275.00

Drawing & Painting for Beginners, Short courses

10% Early Bird sale available until Friday 27th February.

Please apply coupon code aa-earlybird-10% at checkout.