Fri 24 Apr- 19 Jun (8 wks) | 11.15am-1.15pm | 16+ yrs
Create ambitious, longer life drawing compositions inspired by weekly themes and skill-building poses. Each session introduces a fresh concept designed to deepen your understanding of the figure, strengthen technique, and build confidence, all with expert guidance to support and challenge your developing practice.
What will the course cover and how will it be taught?
Each session explores a different life drawing focus, from reinterpreting a well-known pose to investigating movement, foreshortening, tone, and structure. Classes begin with a series of short warm-up exercises, followed by a sustained, longer drawing to consolidate skills.
You’ll receive individual guidance tailored to your experience level, also with one-to-one support to nurture your personal development. Strong life room practice will be encouraged throughout, including careful measurement, close observation, confident mark-making, and exploration of a range of materials and techniques.
Important Information
This course will be held in Studio 3. There are no sessions during half term 25-29 May.
What do I need to bring with me?
- Paper (A3/2 sketch book)
- Willow charcoal
- Putty rubber
- Soft graphite stick or pencil
- Masking tape or clips to attach your paper to a board.
- Any other media you would like to explore.
Drawing boards and easels will be provided.
Other useful dry media include pastels, compressed charcoals, conte, etc. If you would like to develop painting techniques, please discuss this with the tutor in the first session.
When using art materials, your clothes could potentially get dirty, so you may wish to bring an apron and/or dress for mess.
Are there any additional costs?
No
About the tutor
Catherine MacDiarmid brings over 30 years of teaching experience to her role, combining extensive classroom practice with the insight of a dedicated, practising artist. She has exhibited widely, including the BP Portrait Award (2001/02), the New Light Art (2021/22 and 2023/24), and regularly at the Mall Galleries. Her work has received numerous accolades, most recently the Watercolour Materials Award at the Jackson’s Painting Prize in 2023 and the People and Faces Award 2025 at the Lake Artists Society. She is an elected member of the Lakes Artists Society and the Contemporary British Portrait Painters. Catherine has also appeared on Portrait Artist of the Year (2014 and 2018), reaching the semi-finals in 2019. Alongside private portrait commissions, her work is collected internationally, and she is based in her home studio in Kendal.
See all Creative Learning courses here.
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A commission of £2.50 - £3.50 is included in the ticket price, to support our administration costs and the maintenance and development of our historic venue, helping ensure we are here for future generations. Creative learning classes & workshops are exempt.
For information about accessibility please visit our dedicated accessibility page.
For further information about tickets and terms and conditions please visit our ticket information pages.
Some live events may carry strict age restrictions, these are outlined on our website. Under 16’s must be accompanied by an adult at all times during evening events.
Please note: Our Bar & Restaurant is closed on Sundays
