Scheme of Work

Still Life

Students learn to observe and understand shape, proportion, tone, and spatial relationships. Carefully arranged objects and compositions enable exploration of contour drawing, shading techniques, negative space, and the process of building a balanced composition. Emphasis is placed on understanding form, balance, and the ways light and shadow create depth and bring a drawing to life. Materials include graphite, charcoal, ink, and coloured pencil.

Portraits and the Human Form

Students are introduced to the structure and proportions of the face and body, a key subject for improving tonal drawing, proportion, planes, and expressive mark-making. Working primarily with charcoal and pencil, students study facial features, body structure, light and shadow, and the subtle relationships that create likeness and character. The course encourages both technical understanding and personal interpretation, helping students create drawings with depth, emotion, and individuality.

Landscapes / Architecture / Nature

Students explore landscape drawing through the study of natural and urban environments, interiors, and exteriors, covering perspective, tone, texture, and mood. Using a combination of pencil, pastel, pen, and ink washes, we learn how to create spatial depth, capture changing light, and suggest movement and atmosphere within a scene. Observational studies and guided compositions lead to the goal of translating spaces into expressive and balanced drawings.

Students are encouraged to bring a sketchbook to every session and continue observational drawing practice outside of class to strengthen their skills and support their creative development.