Professional and short courses
Life Drawing Workshops
Whether you're an experienced artist or looking to find a new hobby, this workshop will help to develop your drawing skills.
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On this course you will develop your observational drawing skills in a supportive space. Our workshops are open to anyone who is interested in exploring life drawing through regular practice and encouragement.
York campus
- Course leader – Amanda Walker (maternity cover)
- Duration – 2 hours
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Dates and times
Weekly on Thursday evenings commencing Thursday 30 December 2025
6.30pm to 8.30pm
Course Fees
£15 per person per session
Course information
Who is this course for?
This course is designed for all abilities and interests in life drawing and developing skills in observational drawing. We welcome you to further your artistic practice with us.
What will I learn?
During the sessions, you will learn:
- How to draw models of varying genders and backgrounds
- Different techniques in observation and concentration
- When and how to use different drawing materials to create the desired effects in thickness, shape and shading
- Confidence in your abilities to reflect true life and your own artistic expression
How will I learn?
You will learn through observation and direction from your tutor. As well as taught techniques, you will develop through practising and honing your craft. Classes are on campus and in person, meaning you will learn with and from your classmates. There will be guidance available for all levels of experience, including beginners, but the class has a relaxed approach and doesn't follow a structured format.
Easels, pens, paper and charcoal will be provided but please feel free to bring your own materials as well.
Please note that all classes must be booked and paid for in advance.
Why study life drawing?
Life drawing is an art that enhances skills in observation, detailed analysis and concentration. Though many do it for pleasure in their personal time, these abilities are transferable in the workplace.
Course leader biographies
Amanda Walker (maternity cover)
Amanda trained at The Slade School of Fine Art, University College London, gaining BA Hons and MA Hons degrees. Here, she found a love of figurative drawing and painting, tutored by Jo Volley and Euan Uglow. She spent a year studying anatomical drawing in a unique collaboration between University College Hospital, The Royal College of Surgeons and The Slade which won her the Henry Tonks Prize for Drawing. Amanda has a broad knowledge of techniques across drawing and painting. Her work has also encompassed film, photography and dance. In teaching, this enables her to guide students of any level to learn and develop their processes within a wide scope of materials and ideas. Amanda is also a qualified yoga teacher and has specific interest in links between creativity and mindfulness. She also holds an MA Hons in Art History from The University of St Andrews and integrates her practice and teaching with inspiration and context from past and contemporary artists. Amanda has 20 years teaching experience in a variety of settings across all age groups including school and gallery workshops, Slade Summer School, City Literary Institute, private tuition and she has devised and facilitated numerous courses and outreach projects.
Life Drawing
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Enquire now
Boost skills, knowledge and confidence with a professional or short course from York St John University. We offer professional learning and development opportunities for teams and individuals, from single sessions to longer courses.
To express an interest in this course, please fill in the form below with your details and we will be in touch soon.