As the days get shorter and darker, it is easy to find yourself staying in much more. This is the perfect time of year to challenge yourself and start a new hobby, something to get you out of the house.
While life drawing classes may not seem like an obvious option for a new hobby, they are not only a peaceful and enjoyable activity but also an opportunity to develop artistic skills.
The City Life Drawing class at Reading Biscuit Factory is a cosy and fun way to spend a Friday evening.
With a welcoming, comforting atmosphere, the model strikes several different poses, with time frames varying from 1 minute to half an hour. This challenges you to practise your quick sketching skills, not focusing on accuracy or perfection, and later on, your focus and attention to detail.
If you’re an artist, an art student, or just someone who enjoys drawing and getting creative, life drawing classes are an incredible opportunity to connect with the artistic community in your area.
You can meet new people with similar interests, sparking new conversations and expanding your creative sphere.
After the class, attendees are encouraged to stick around and lay out their drawings on tables for everyone to observe. It is a warm and non-judgmental environment, where you can feel safe to show your work and enjoy the chance to catch a glimpse of what others have worked on and chat with them.
As a student, it is also a great way to extend and develop your practice outside of class and experiment with technique.
Whatever artistic level you’re at, life drawing is an activity that can offer you something. Drawing from a live model can change the way you draw, challenging you to think about what you are seeing; how the light is falling, and the negative space you would never otherwise consider.
Furthermore, materials are often offered in the class, meaning you don’t have to invest in the hobby before you decide it's for you.
City Life Drawing runs classes in Reading, Oxford, and Bath, and there are other organisations running classes all over the country. Wherever you are, give it a try.
