Pathways to learning
If you are unsure about where to begin, start with life drawing. Drawing is an essential tool, more for training the eye rather than to produce finished drawings. We find many artists will practise observational drawing, particularly of the human figure, as a core discipline throughout their careers. So if you don’t know where to begin start with drawing.
We recommend attending our Introduction to Life Drawing on Monday evenings as an ideal starting point for absolute beginners.
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Our Tutored Groups for Autumn 2026
MONDAY EVENINGS – AN INTRODUCTION TO LIFE DRAWING
with AUDREY FATTOUCHE
Monday evenings, 7pm-9pm ~ 12 weeks
7th September – 7th December 2026.
Half Term 19th, 26th October
Working from the nude model we explore a variety of drawing methods and you will discover what works for you. We have a demonstration early on in the evening which will introduce a technique or key concept. For beginners this can form the structure for progressive learning, for the more experienced it’s always good to be reminded or just to dust down old skills. If you’re a complete beginner we recommend joining for the full twelve weeks.
TUESDAYS – PAINTING IN OILS
with ALEX FOWLER
Tuesdays, 10.00am-4.00pm
Tuesdays ~ 12 week course
Full day 10.00am-4.00pm
8th September – 8th December 2026.
Half Term 20th, 27th October
Join Alex Fowler NEAC for a richly informative and inspiring course that explores the fundamentals of painting through the intelligent observation of colour. Designed for artists of all levels—from complete beginners to the more experienced—this class offers a structured, insightful approach that demystifies the painting process. We will paint from still life and a life model. It is now possible to sign-up to single dates.
WEDNESDAYS – PORTRAITURE with MARK CHEN
Wednesdays, 7.00pm- 9.30pm
12 week course (in-studio) / £495
9th September – 9th December 2026
Half Term 21st, 28th October
New tutor! Over 12 weeks, figurative artist Mark Chen will guide you through a pathway to gain experience and hone your skills. You will learn a solid grounding in portraiture painting in oils and a deep understanding of the materials and methods of classical artists.
THURSDAY – THE PRINCIPLES OF LANDSCAPE with DAVID SAWYER
Thursdays, 10am-1pm
6 week course (in-studio) / £345
5th November – 10th December 2026
A short course which provides a solid foundation for beginners and new insights for seasoned painters. Award-winning painter David Sawyer will guide you in a journey to learn how to paint Nature and Architecture. Through weekly themed sessions covering materials, colour, composition, skies, trees, water and more, David offers generous demonstrations and gentle, insightful critique drawn from decades of professional experience.
Our Untutored Drop-in Groups for Autumn 2026
SATURDAY MORNING LIFE DRAWING & PAINTING
Saturday ~ 10.00am-1.00pm (in-studio & online)
Open drop-in sessions £15 – £25
We have a life model in a single pose for three hours. Usually the same pose is repeated the following week so that you can give six hours to your work, remember to book the same position for both weeks – we also offer unallocated positions.
We break for 5 minutes for the model every 25 minutes and then for twenty minutes at 11.30 to have a cup of coffee and a biscuit (small charge).
The session is not formally tutored although all of our sessions are run by artists and advice is always available, just ask – otherwise you will be left to get on by yourself.
SATURDAY AFTERNOON LIFE DRAWING & PAINTING
Saturday ~ 2.00pm-5.00pm (in-studio)
Open drop-in sessions £20 – £25
We will have a life model in the same pose for three hours in the afternoon, usually for two consecutive weeks.
This is an untutored session run by a professional painter who will always be happy to give advice.
Remember to book the same position for both weeks – we also offer unallocated positions.
More information and booking here
TUESDAY EVENINGS FREYA’S FAST POSES – CREATIVE DRAWING
Tuesdays ~ 7.00pm-8.30pm (in-studio & online)
Open drop-in sessions £8* – £15
This session is run by Freya Tate, a wonderful artist with a sharp eye and a playful line. The session is life model focused but Freya will discuss the works of particular artists and introduce chaotic elements to challenge you and move your drawing on to higher levels. You can see more of Freya’s work here @freyatateify
*£5 if you are a student. Email us at info@dulwichartgroup.co.uk, convince us you’re a student and get your discount code.
WEDNESDAY MORNING LIFE DRAWING & PAINTING LONG POSE
Wednesday ~ 10.00am-1.00pm (in-studio & online)
Open drop-in sessions £15 – £25
We have a life model in a single pose for three hours. Usually the same pose is repeated the following week so that you can give six hours to your work, remember to book the same position for both weeks – we also offer unallocated positions.
Our studio is purpose built and well equipped with easels, drawing boards, clips and so on.
WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON PORTRAITURE
Wednesday ~ 2.00pm-5.00pm (in-studio & online)
Open drop-in sessions £15 – £25
Paint a clothed model with a focus on the portrait, we usually have the same model for two weeks so make sure to book the same position for both weeks if you plan on coming back – we also offer unallocated positions.. The model will at times be engaged in conversation in order to bring some animation to the face.
Further information and booking here
THURSDAY EVENINGS – LONG POSE LIFE DRAWING & PAINTING
Thursdays ~ 7.00pm-9.00pm (in-studio)
Drop-in sessions £15
We have a nude model for two hours in a single pose to give you time to complete a finished drawing or to paint the figure. You are welcome to draw or paint in oils or wet media.
