Drawing & Painting the Figure in Charcoal, Chalk and Oils with Lydia Cecil(November 2026)
Figure Drawing & Painting
Drawing and painting the nude figure have been at the heart of artistic training for centuries. The human form is endlessly fascinating and offers rich learning for artists at all stages.
In this three-day workshop, drawing forms the foundation of the process. You will begin by observing, measuring, and constructing the figure through drawing before developing your work into a finished drawing or painting from a life model holding a sustained pose.
Working from a sustained pose allows you to progress step by step, learning clear techniques and building a strong sense of structure, proportion, and form, with the option to develop a cohesive colour palette in paint.
The course is suitable for all abilities and levels of experience. The figure is an ideal place to begin your artistic journey or to deepen your understanding through direct observation.
If you prefer to focus primarily on drawing, you are very welcome to do so!
What you will learn
- How to block in and construct the figure through drawing
- Proportion and useful anatomical landmarks
- How to find gesture and movement in the figure
- How to use values and edges to describe form
- How drawing informs and strengthens painting
- How to mix oil paints and use painting materials
Materials List
Surfaces
- 2 canvases, canvas boards, or wooden boards (40 × 30 cm or larger)
Oil Paints
- White
- Yellow Ochre
- Cadmium Red
- Raw Umber
- Ivory Black
- Optional Extras
- Cadmium Yellow
- Venetian Red
- Alizarin Crimson
- Cobalt Blue
- Ultramarine Blue
Other Materials
- Palette
- Palette knife
- Kitchen roll
- Brushes (hog or synthetic)
- Suggested sizes: two each of sizes 2, 4, 6, and 8
- Shapes: filbert or flat
- Small container/Tupperware for storing paints overnight
- Dipper
- Linseed oil
- Low-odour solvent
Drawing Materials (encouraged)
- Nitram or willow charcoal
- Grey putty rubber
- Chalk (if working on toned paper)
- Sketchbook or drawing paper
Who is the tutor
Lydia Cecil trained at the London Atelier of Representational Art and worked for many years in London before moving to Italy.
Her work can be viewed on her website www.lydiacecil.co.uk and on Instagram.
How many students will there be?
There is a maximum of 12 participants, and the tutor will customise the course according to your individual needs.
Studio Access & Parking
The studio and car park open at 9:30 am each day. We kindly ask that you do not arrive before this time, as staff will be preparing the space.
We close at 5:30 pm, so please ensure you are packed up and ready to leave by then. Thank you for helping us keep everything running smoothly!
If you have any questions, please see our frequently asked questions or contact us.
