One or Two days Drawing from the Parthenon Marbles, British Museum

As a starting point, for centuries the traditionally trained art student has drawn from ancient sculpture. Following this practice, Nichola Eddery has designed a five or ten-hour traditional drawing short course in the classical antiquity rooms in the British Museum.

The class will be taught by Nichola herself and will offer her unique blend of traditional training through drawing directly from the ancient sculptures. She has designed this short course for those who are eager to experience an intensive traditional programme. Through a step-by-step methodology, Nichola will provide demonstrations and exercises to help each student learn how to start a drawing, and learn how to achieve a clearer understanding of gesture, proportion, structure, light, shadow, value and tonal gradation. The first day will involve learning the envelope, the stages of the block-in and the second day will involve learning about the classic order of light and how one applies this through modelling the tonal gradation of light interacting with form.

This workshop is designed for a small group of 1-8 people , so each student receives more one-to-one tutoring time with Nichola.

Nichola is a well- known equine artist as well as portrait artist (see About for more info), so this would be a great short course for those interested in drawing the figure, the horse or both. Ms. Eddery has chosen a Monday and Tuesday as these are much quieter days and due to the course being held during the Easter break, Nichola invites art students from 16+ as well as adults. This will be a great opportunity to strengthen your draftsmanship and portfolio.

The Parthenon Marbles are complex and time-consuming sculpture to draw and two days will give one the time to understand the concepts and resolve their drawing to a more finished level.

Nichola wishes to take this opportunity and donate to World Horse Welfare; 10% of the proceeds will go to the charity if you chose one day and 15% of the proceeds will go to the charity if you chose two days.

Students in full-time education receive a 10% discount.

Structure of days (10.30am - 16.30pm)

10.15 am - 10.25 am Meet and greet in the main entrance (Great Russell St) outside the entrance to the shop

10.25 am - 10.30 am Walk to Ancient Greece room 18

10.30 am - 13.00 pm Drawing

13.00 pm - 14.00 pm Lunch

14.00 pm - 16.30 pm Drawing

What you will learn during each day

First day - You will learn about how to start a drawing, proportion, structure and gesture, light and shadow. This will involve learning the envelope, the block-ins and learn about the classic order of light.

Second day - You will continue with your drawing and learn about value, tonal gradation and how to model form. The second day will allow one to render their drawing to a finished level.

Course Detail

• 5 or 10 hours of tutoring
• Max 8 places
• This workshop is for adults over 18-years-old, unless a minor over 16-years-old has their parent's/guardian's express consent
• Students in full time education receive a 10% discount and must provide their student ID on arrival to the lesson
• All levels of drawing experience are welcome, including the complete beginner
• Nichola will provide one-to-one tuition to each participant during the class.
• The programme will provide demonstrations and exercises to learn the introductory stages of a drawing; learning how to begin, proportion, structure, light and shade.
• On receipt, you will receive the password to access the drawing handbook to prepare for the classes. The drawing handbook link is located at the bottom of every page on this website and is labelled 'Drawing Handbook'. Click on this link and then enter the password. The handbook is an instructive document that will provide information on the fundamental principles of drawing to help you prepare for class. You will also receive, a list of instructional drawing books, suggestions on how to continue with your practice and other useful information.
• Essential supplies are to be purchased before the class and this includes: A3 sketchbook or an A3 drawing paper on a light drawing board (either use masking tape or use drawing clips to keep the paper in place), HB & 2B pencils, a grey putty rubber and an enclosed sharpener. This will cost under £10. The full list is on the Materials page and to access this page please click on the link at the bottom of every page labelled 'Drawing Materials and Suppliers'. These lists can also be found in the drawing handbook.
• Students wishing to try red chalk or graphite and chalk on toned paper are welcomed to the class, but must be purchased before the workshop commences.
• Stools will be provided and are to be returned at the end of class.
• Knitting needles will be provided for measuring and are to be returned at the end of class.

Max weight for Nichola's stools is 90kg. If you prefer to use The British Museum stools they can been found throughout the museum, but are not always available.

Please read terms and conditions for the cancellation and refund policy and remember bookings made less than three days prior the workshop commences is non-refundable.

If you need to fill out a parental consent form, you will find the form at the bottom of the website labelled 'Parental Consent Form' . Click on the link and you will be able print the page. Once completed you can either email Nichola the form to info@nicholaedderyatelier.com or present the completed form on the day of the class. If the consent form is not completed the minor will not be able to attend the class. Nichola will only be responsible for a minor during class hours.

If you have any special requirements or have any questions please email Nichola at info@nicholaedderyatelier.com.