Key Facts

  • Starting
    14 Jan 2026
    Location
    Tooting
    Start Time
    10:00
    End Time
    12:30
    Duration
    9 Weeks
    Study Mode
    Part Time Day
    Days
    Wednesday
    Start Date
    14 Jan 2026
    Level
    Entry Level
    Code
    TABX289TL

    Fees

    19+ Fee
    £ 112.50
  • Starting
    17 Apr 2026
    Location
    Tooting
    Start Time
    10:00
    End Time
    12:30
    Duration
    9 Weeks
    Study Mode
    Part Time Day
    Days
    Friday
    Start Date
    17 Apr 2026
    Level
    Short Course
    Code
    TABX290TL

    Fees

    19+ Fee
    £ 112.50
Fine Art- Life Drawing And Painting

Life drawing classes are an excellent way to develop your drawing and observational skills. You will explore a variety of drawing and painting techniques and processes to develop your confidence in life painting

Nicholas Middleton is an artist working primarily in painting with a background print, and interests in photography, film and video. He studied printmaking at Winchester School of Art and has recently completed a PhD at the Royal College of Art. As a painter he has exhibited widely in the UK, as well as abroad, and has been selected for the prestigious John Moores Painting Prize five times, twice winning the Visitors' Choice Prize, as well as prizes for watercolours at the Bankside and Mall Galleries. Recent work has investigated the relationship between photography, film and painting.

If you're self-employed, you might be able to deduct your enrolment fee from your taxable income.

Life drawing classes are an excellent way to develop your drawing and observational skills. You will explore a variety of drawing and painting techniques and processes to develop your confidence in life painting

Nicholas Middleton is an artist working primarily in painting with a background print, and interests in photography, film and video. He studied printmaking at Winchester School of Art and has recently completed a PhD at the Royal College of Art. As a painter he has exhibited widely in the UK, as well as abroad, and has been selected for the prestigious John Moores Painting Prize five times, twice winning the Visitors' Choice Prize, as well as prizes for watercolours at the Bankside and Mall Galleries. Recent work has investigated the relationship between photography, film and painting.

If you're self-employed, you might be able to deduct your enrolment fee from your taxable income.

  • Entry Requirements


    This course is suitable for beginners and improvers with an interest in figure drawing and painting. No prior experience is required, but a willingness to learn, experiment, and work with live models is essential. All materials will be provided, though you may bring your own if preferred.

  • Course Content


    You'll experiment using different mediums and methods to build your confidence and develop your own artistic ideas.

    You will: Represent the figure effectively in painterly terms Begin to locate areas of personal interest and your own language and style Learn different technical understanding of using acrylic paint Create 5 tonal changes using dry medium working from the life figure starting with short poses

    By the end of the course, you will be able to: Create 3 textural changes using 3 different types of texture using a variety of media Use the above to create the illusion of 3D on a 2-dimensional surface exploring the notion of what is drawing *Make use of this in rendering images based on the above adding long poses

  • Progression Next Steps


    After completing this course, students may choose to progress to:

    *Advanced life drawing and painting courses

    *Specialised courses in portrait painting, figure composition, or mixed media

    *Portfolio development workshops for further study or professional practice

    *Open studio sessions for independent practice with tutor support

    This course provides a strong foundation for continued artistic development and creative exploration in fine art.

  • Additional Information


    Sessions are held in a well-equipped art studio, including easels, drawing boards, and access to a variety of materials and students may be asked to bring additional personal materials as needed. Aprons or suitable clothing for painting are recommended.

    Opportunities for further study or continuation in fine art and life drawing will be suggested.

    The tutor: Nicholas Middleton is an artist working primarily in painting with a background print, and interests in photography, film and video. He studied printmaking at Winchester School of Art and has recently completed a PhD at the Royal College of Art. As a painter he has exhibited widely in the UK, as well as abroad, and has been selected for the prestigious John Moores Painting Prize five times, twice winning the Visitors' Choice Prize, as well as prizes for watercolours at the Bankside and Mall Galleries. Recent work has investigated the relationship between photography, film and painting.

  • Course Structure


    This 9-week course runs once a week in a dedicated, well-equipped studio in Tooting. Each session combines tutor demonstrations, practical life drawing and painting exercises, and group discussions. You will explore tonal studies, texture, and painterly techniques, gradually progressing from short poses to longer, more detailed figure studies, culminating in finished expressive works.

  • Assessment Details


    You'll receive one to one teaching during the sessions. There will also be group work so you can discuss your work with your classmates.

  • Teaching and Learning


    Format: Practical, studio-based learning in a well-equipped studio with all necessary materials and easels

    Sessions will include:

    *Live model drawing and painting

    *Tutor demonstrations and guidance

    *Individual practice with ongoing feedback