Drawing Now
- Level(s) of Study: Short course
- Course Fee:
£435 (August 2025) or £495
- Start Date(s): 11 August 2025, 4 October 2025
- Duration: Monday to Friday 10 am - 4 pm, one week or Saturdays 10 am - 12:30 pm, ten weeks
- Study Mode(s): Part-time
- Campus: City Campus
- Entry Requirements: More information
Introduction:
Course dates:
11 - 15 August 2025, Monday to Friday 10 am - 4 pm
4 October - 6 December 2025, Saturdays 10 am - 12:30 pm
This course is the ideal opportunity to explore traditional and modern approaches to drawing.
You’ll experiment with drawing from observation using still life as inspiration and draw from your own imagination practising random and free association drawing.
You’ll learn there’s no right or wrong way!
The course is aimed at the adventurous beginner and those with more experience as it will build upon the basics of drawing using line, edge, form and tone.
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By the end of the course, you’ll have created a portfolio of new, innovative work. -
The course could also be a means to progress within fine art into different materials or approaches. -
Benefit from learning with an experienced tutor who has established links to the profession and significant experience working in varied practices. -
With a limited class size you'll have the one-to-one attention you need to ensure you leave with the skills to continue developing your designs at home or work.
Here’s what our previous attendees said:
'I'm primarily a painter, but I wanted to do this course to go back to basics and rediscover my love for drawing. I enjoyed learning about different mark making techniques - it has inspired my to really look closely at my surroundings.'
'I attended a course in the summer with the same tutor and I enjoyed it so much I wanted to do another! From doing this course I have a much greater appreciation for observation and negative space when I'm drawing.'
'I did this course because I wanted to try something new. It has helped me to look at things differently and I've found some new mediums that I would like to explore.'
What you’ll study
Taking artist Paul Klee’s description of drawing as ‘taking a line for a walk’ you’ll begin by doodling in biros, elaborate further by agitating surfaces, and then create finished drawings towards the end of course.
You’ll gain observational skills by drawing from man-made and natural forms, and increase your concentration, visualisation and creativity through imagination and automatic drawing.
Throughout the course there’ll be a range of practical activities and inspiring projects for you to engage with, supported by demonstrations of specific materials and techniques, and supportive group critiques.
You’ll study gesture, expression, positive and negative space, hatching, cross-hatching, continuous line and contour-drawing techniques.
By the end of the course, you’ll have created a portfolio of new, innovative work.
The course could also be a means to progress within fine art into different materials or approaches.
- identify traditional and modern drawing techniques
- complete observational and imaginative drawings
- research your own subject matter that interests you
- learn how to select the best materials to use
- keep a sketchbook full of your own ideas
- develop an individual drawing project.
- Pencils and observational studies
- Tools for drawing
- Grounds and supports – paper, card, postcards
- Outline and line
- Materiality, subject matter, themes
- Use of sketchbooks
- Drawing techniques
- Shading and tone
- Charcoal
- Mark-making - inks, pens, ball-point pens, fine liners
- Composition
- Experimental techniques, non-traditional tools for drawing
- Mixed media – any combination of drawing media
- Review and presentation
- What next?
How you’re taught
This is a hands on, practical course taught in our professional painting and drawing studios.
Contact hours
You will receive 25 contact hours of quality tuition with an experienced tutor.
Careers and employability
On successful completion of the course you will receive a certificate of attendance, which will further enhance your CV.
Campus and facilities
You will be based in the School of Art and Design on the City Campus.
You'll find bright drawing and painting studio and workshop spaces to develop your ideas and create exciting work.
You will receive an email one week before the course starts with joining instructions on where to go for the first day.
You’ll also have access to our library to use outside of your short course; whilst you can’t reserve or take away books, you are welcome to use them as a resource for research and referencing.
Entry requirements
Level: Open to all
Entry requirement: Beginners as well as those with some drawing experience are welcome.
You must be over the age of 18 to attend this course.
Fees and funding
The fee for this course is £435 (August 2025) or £495.
Payment is due at the time of booking - ask us if you'd prefer an invoice sent to your company.
Secure your place with a deposit - If you're booking more than two months before the course starts, we can accept a £200 deposit to secure your place, and the balance is due one month before the course starts.
Your course fees cover the cost of studies and include great benefits such as the use of our modern library and free use of the IT equipment and software on the campus during your course.
Please bring with you to the first session:
- any drawing equipment you like to work with
- a sketchbook (of any size)
- biros, pencils and charcoal
- inks
You can read the terms and conditions of booking here.
Need accommodation for a week long summer course?
Accommodation can be booked separately to the course; the rooms are only a few minutes’ walk from our studios and classrooms, and cost £259 per week.
These are single rooms with a private bathroom in shared apartments in Nottingham Trent University’s city campus accommodation, which is ideal if you're looking to be based in Nottingham's lively city centre and want an economical place to stay.
Find out more and book your accommodation here.
How to apply
You can book your place via the NTU online store:
11 - 15 August 2025, Monday to Friday 10 am - 4 pm
4 October - 6 December 2025, Saturdays 10 am - 12:30 pm
Browse all short courses in fine art.
Any questions?
Contact the short course team:
Email: creativeshortcourses@ntu.ac.uk
Telephone: +44 (0)115 848 2813