City Drawing

Sharpen your drawings skills and understanding of the city in this masterclass series led by artist Mark Bletcher.

In this special four-session Masterclass, artist Mark Bletcher will teach you a range of drawing techniques and processes to deepen your understanding and approach to observational drawing.

Throughout the course we will create a collection of drawings and studies from different city vantages, from the Farrell Centre’s galleries to the upper floors of university buildings – learning how to add light, depth, and colour to our sketches.

The course will be supported by a guided tour and special access to our exhibition Brasília of the North, with unique insights from its curators providing context to the city views you will be drawing.

Refreshments and materials will be provided, and each participant will receive a sketchbook to continue their drawing practice beyond the course.

This Masterclass series is suitable for all and is an excellent opportunity try something new or develop a portfolio to support further studies and independent practice.

20 October – Week 1: Sketch

In our first session we will begin with a curator-led tour of the exhibition Brasília of the North and discussion of the Concrete Dreams project of which it is part. Mark will then lead series of speed sketching exercise from the Farrell Centre galleries. These exercises will loosen up our drawings and allow time to experiment with materials.

3 November – Week 2: Line

We will explore line drawings in our second Masterclass, looking to the architect Ralph Erskine’s drawings for the Byker Estate as inspiration. We will create a series of drawings embracing the simplicity of a single line.

We will get special access to the seventh floor of the university’s Henry Days Building and its unique views of the city.

17 November – Week 3: Light and Shade

Building on our line drawings, we will learn about adding washes of tone to our drawings, as well as details like plants, people, and pets!

1 December – Week 4: Sustained Study

In our final session we will reflect on our portfolios of drawings and chose a piece to work back into, refining and tuning our study.

Booking

The cost for the course is £80.00

These masterclasses are design to be informal spaces to share ideas, chat and ask questions. If you have any questions about the course please get in touch.

Please note, you must be able to attend all 4 sessions as refunds cannot be issued.