Drawing for Beginners

A friendly and relaxed introduction to the basics of drawing led by artist Jane Allison.

Drawing is a language and everyone can learn to draw! This workshop will introduce students to the fundamental skills needed to translate what you see into a two dimensional image. Following a few simple exercises in learning how to look we will concentrate on drawing the beautiful and atmospheric interiors of the historic West Horsley Place using a variety of materials including pencil, charcoal and pastels.

About Jane:

Jane Allison trained at Chelsea School of Art and at the Slade school of Fine Art and has since worked primarily as a professional portrait painter. She has painted a wide variety of people from all walks of life , and has completed many official commissions, where the real challenge has been to balance the intrinsic character of the individual with the demands of the position represented. Her most recent portrait is of Professor Dame Carol Robinson, President of the Royal Society of Chemistry. Other notable sitters include the Duchess of Cornwall in her capacity as Honorary Colonel of the 4^th Wiltshire Rifles. John Sentamu, the Archbishop of York, Baroness Greenfield and Henry Allingham aged 113 and one of the last veterans of the First World War.

In addition to portraiture Jane also has an intense interest in landscape painting and takes her inspiration mainly from the beautiful countryside surrounding Guildford , where she lives and has a studio. These paintings form a record or a diary of her life and allow for a different form of expression.

Jane has work in many private and public collections including the Queen’s collection at Windsor , the Royal College of Surgeons in both London and Edinburgh , the Royal College of Anaesthetists and the Royal College of Veterinary surgeons , The Royal Institute ,the Royal Society of Medicine, the University of Surrey and several regiments and public schools. She has also exhibited widely , including with the Royal Society of Portrait Painters and in the BP Portrait Award as a prize winner.

Important Information:

All materials will be provided, but students are also welcome to bring their own if they prefer. No experience required.

Workshop takes place in the manor house, please arrive at the front door to check in 10 minutes before the course starts. 

Tea/coffee break will be provided. Refreshments and light bites also available to purchase on site. 

Suitable for ages 16+, under 18s must be accompanied. 

Access information here.