Introduction to Drawing and Painting (HE09N81A)

Course overview

This course will take you through the first steps towards gaining new skills and confidence. You will learn about the core skills of art by exploring observation, tone, form, colour and composition through drawing and painting.

Where Sixth Form Centre, Heathfield Community College, Cade St. Old Heathfield, East Sussex, TN21 8RJ.

When Thursday, 7:00pm - 9:00pm from 7th October 2021 until 9th December 2021 for 8 weeks.

No classes: 21st October (School open evening), 28th October (Half term holiday)

This is an in-person course. In the event of restrictions being reintroduced and if the class is remaining in the venue, you will be informed of further safety measures. If the lessons cannot take place because the tutor has to isolate or in the event of government imposed restrictions or lockdowns, every effort will be made to reschedule the missed classes. If it is not possible to continue the course in the venue it will be continued online.

Cost The full fee is £111.00. The concessionary fee is £58.00.


Additional Costs
To avoid unnecessary cost please do not purchase any materials or textbooks until you are certain that your course will run. Course decisions are normally made a week prior to the course start date.

During the course

Specific Covid Considerations:

To ensure Safe Practice during practical sessions:

• Class numbers are reduced to allow students to space apart.
• Students should work at separate tables or desks.
• Hand sanitiser will be available in all classrooms.
• You are responsible for sanitising your own work space before and after each lesson, anti-bacterial wipes or spray will be provided by the tutor.
• Wearing a mask is a personal choice. Please respect the choices of your tutor and fellow students.
• Windows and doors left open to allow for room ventilation should not be adjusted by students.
• Sharing of equipment is discouraged, but if it is essential, please use the wipes / spray provided to clean between handling.
• Please make yourself aware of local guidance, particularly in community venues.

You must not attend the class if you show signs or symptoms of Covid-19, are awaiting results of a PCR Covid test, have been in close contact with a Covid-19 patient within 14 days or anyone who has been advised to self isolate for any reason. Please inform the ACRES' office, who will advise the tutor.


All tutors, students and visitors are encouraged to participate in rapid lateral flow testing in the interest of everybody's safety, however, this is not a mandatory requirement. Test kits are readily available locally or from https://www.gov.uk/order-coronavirus-rapid-lateral-flow-tests


For further information please see Policy & Procedures on the ACRES website.

What you already need to know

You do not need any previous knowledge.

What you will learn

You will gain confidence in observational drawing, looking at tone, colour theory and composition. You will also have the opportunity to experiment with different mediums and materials.

Topics covered will include:
- ways to represent tone in drawing
- ways to construct composition
- colour theory
- mixing different pallets
- brush techniques

By the end of the course you will have produced a range of pictures in your sketchbook, that will by a record of your own personal development. You will come away from the course with enough basic knowledge to get started with your own projects at home or you may choose to continue learning and developing your skills on the next drawing and painting course.

How you will learn it

There will be a combination of methods throughout the course. Your learning will be supported by tutor demonstrations and teaching. Through practical work there will be the opportunity to explore your own ideas and methods and to receive individual tuition. There will also be opportunity to look at source material and the work of other artists and to participate in group discussions.

Bring to the first session

A3 sketchbook/paper
Drawing materials - different grade pencils
(Later in the course you will need a painting kit - preferred paints and brushes, palette, water pots. Your tutor will explain what you need to bring.)

A handy optional item would be a portfolio to keep your work together but a large bag will do.

Extra study or practice

You may wish to spend time at home practising skills and techniques from the classes.

How to enrol

You can enrol by phoning ACRES' House on 01825 761820 on Monday to Friday between 9:30 am and 4 pm. Alternatively, to register your interest in a course please email adultlearning@acres.org.uk with the course title and your contact details and a member of the team will call you back to enrol you on your chosen course.

Previous students say

Kerry is a new art teacher for ACRES but students on other Introduction to Drawing and Painting courses say:
"I have learnt so much, mainly what I still need to learn!"
"I am loving the art class, I really look forward to it every week."
"I feel like my skills have been stretched and I have been able to produce work to a level I would not have thought possible."

Next steps within this subject with ACRES

This course is expected to continue from January 2022 in Heathfield college. Visit our website or sign up for our newsletter for up to date information on all Spring courses.

Future steps beyond ACRES

Find out about other courses with the National Careers Service for opportunities to extend your skills and knowledge

Further information

Please visit our website at www.acreslearning.org.uk, see our brochure, or alternatively contact a member of the team on 01825 761820.