This course is an accessible, creative and relaxing introduction to the basic skills of drawing. Each session will focus on a different theme, providing a wide range of techniques to raise confidence and enhance visual awareness. Through various drawing approaches including still life, life drawing and portraiture, you will learn to explore and understand line, tone, measurement, texture and composition. There will be a life model in some sessions and students are encouraged to express themselves freely with guidance from the tutor.
What level is this course?
This course is suitable for students at our Beginner + level.
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.
Other course levels include:
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.
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.
What should I bring?
Please ensure you bring old clothes or an apron as you may get messy!
The clay is included in the cost of the course.
If you have pottery tools please bring them with you. We have tools for all students to share. If you wish to purchase your own tools you can do so from the Academy shop. (e.g. kidneys, wooden and metal tools, wires, whirlers, sponges, rolling pins etc) please bring them with you.
You will also be able to purchase some tools from the Art Academy shop at the start of the course. Tools available include:
- Pottery toolkit which includes a clay cutter, stainless steel scraper, 8″ boxwood tool, pro-tool, 8″ double ribbon tool, loop tool, sponge & wooden rib | £4.50
- Rubber Kidney | £3.20
- Ceramic Knife | £2.85
- Foam diddler | £3.20
About Your Tutor

Tutors – Painting & Drawing
EIGIL NORDSTRØM
Eigil’s practice is concerned with perceptions of light, and it’s behaviour in interior spaces. Working primarily from memory, the paintings hover between representing a recollection of an observed moment and a painterly construction on the canvas. He completed the Diploma at The Art Academy, before moving on to an MA at City & Guilds of London Art School. He was the 2014 1st prize winner of the Gemini Art Prize, as well as the NEAC Annual Trust award. He has exhibited in Norway and the UK, and has many years of experience with teaching.
WEBSITE
About Your Tutor (excerpt)
Eigil Nordstrøm
Eigil’s practice is concerned with perceptions of light, and it’s behaviour in interior spaces. Working primarily from memory, the paintings hover between representing a recollection of an observed moment and a painterly construction on the canvas. He completed the Diploma at The Art Academy, before moving on to an MA at City & Guilds of London Art School. He was the 2014 1st prize winner of the Gemini Art Prize, as well as the NEAC Annual Trust award. He has exhibited in Norway and the UK, and has many years of experience with teaching.
Location
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”.
Refreshments and Facilities
Students have to bring their own refreshements and drinks. Unfortunately, at the moment students don’t have access to kitchen or kettle and there is no waiting area.
There is a Tesco Express and a Pop-up complex with an assortment of eateries along Walworth Road and the food market Mercato Metropolitan just moments from Elephant and Castle underground.
We are always striving to improve our facilities but due our Newington site being an old building we have limited disability access. Should you have any access requirements please speak to a member of the Academy team before booking the course.

Further Details
- 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 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 the course or it will be disposed of.
- Please ensure that your mobile phone is switched off or is on silentduring 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 of our classes in progress. If you would like to not 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.org.uk.