Course Code EC2302414
Tutor Mercedes Balle
Course Dates Fridays, 26th January - 22nd March 2024
Days 8
Times 6.30pm - 9.00pm
Experience Level Ages 18+, Beginner
Fee £280
Location Art Academy London, 165A Mermaid Court, SE1 1HR
Recommend booking before Friday 5th January 2024

A creative, entry-level course introducing the basics of drawing. Each session will focus on a different theme and provide a wide range of techniques for beginners to get started.
Through various drawing approaches including still life, life drawing and portraiture, you will explore and learn:

– Line & Tone to understand 3D forms
– Using colour
– Measurement and proportion
– Texture
– Composition

There will be a life model in some sessions and students are encouraged to express themselves freely with guidance from the tutor. By the end of the course you will have gained a good understanding of the fundamentals of drawing, plan and compose your work, and develop your own personal appraoch to drawing.

Progress onto our ‘Drawing: Stage 2’ course were you can further your drawing practice.

DOWNLOAD DAILY BREAKDOWN

This course is suitable for students at our Beginner level. 

  • Beginner

    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.

Other course levels include:

  • 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, but still follow a structured path with guidance from the tutor.

  • 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.

    These courses tend to be less structured and instead are tailored to the classes’ needs and the direction they want to advance in. Choose an Intermediate course if you are looking to improve your skills and have more critical discussions around the work you produce.

  • 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.

     Our Advanced courses include our Masterclasses.

All attendees must be aged 18 or over.

You will need to bring your own drawing materials to the class, which you can store at The Art Academy for the duration of the course. 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).

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

MERCEDES BALLE

Mercedes is a mixed-media artist, with a special interest in drawing, painting, installation and video. She is interested in reusing building materials to create art about nature, as she sees the layers of construction in the cities as the biggest disconnection between the landscape and herself. Mercedes transforms building materials repeatedly, trying to squeeze out all their possibilities. By doing so she wants to get involved in the circular economy with her art and question the problems of our economy in relation to the environment.

Balle graduated from Art Academy London in 2020. Her work has been exhibited on different occasions in Spain and the UK. In 2020 Mercedes was finalist at Art Jove as well as semi-finalist at LSM Awards. 

WEBSITE:

https://www.mercedesballe.com

Mermaid Court

165A Borough High Street
London SE1 1HR
tel: +44 (0) 207407 6969

Nearest Tube/ Rail: London Bridge or Borough (both a 5 minute walk).

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

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Students are welcome to use our Common Room/ The Barn during break times, where you can prepare hot drinks and/or food.

You are also welcome to make tea or coffee.

  • 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.
  • 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 purchased on our Materials Page or on the individual course page when you make your booking.
  • 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 MUST be taken home at the end of the course or it will be disposed of. Paintings that need to dry should be collected within a week. For clay sculptures that need hollowing and firing, you will receive a separate email when they can be collected.
  • 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 at the beginning of your class.
  • Sometimes our photographer will pop in to get some images of our classes in progress. We will typically inform you beforehand if photography is taking place during your class; if you do not want to be photographed please let the photographer know!
  • To find out more about what’s going on at the Academy follow us on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter. If you’d like to share images of your course, your progress or your finished work we’d love to see them! Please bear in mind you must have the permission of tutors, other students and models to photograph them.
  • If you would like more information or advice on courses at the Academy please contact shortcourses@artacademy.ac.uk.
  • For further details please see our Short Courses: Regulations & Policies page.

Image / Eigil Nordstrøm

“I really enjoyed my course. My tutor was brilliant. Everyone was at ease, the tutor really helped us to understand the different topics and gave really constructive feedback.”

From: £280.00

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