Painting and Drawing the Figure with Lydia Cecil (November 2026)

Drawing and Painting The Figure

Painting the nude figure has for centuries been a core part of artistic training. The human form is infinitely interesting and instructive for us artists. In this three-day workshop, you will work on a single drawing or painting from a life model holding a sustained pose. This allows you to learn clear techniques, broken down into stages throughout the course, and build up a structured form with a cohesive colour palette. 

The course is suitable for any ability or experience. The figure is an ideal place to start your artistic journey, or to discover something new from.

What will I learn?

• How to ‘block in’ the structure of the figure
• Useful anatomical points
• How to find gesture in a figure
• How to use values, edges and colour to describe form
• How to mix oil paints and use painting materials

Materials list

• 2 Canvases, canvas boards or wooden boards. Size 40x30cm or larger.

 Paints

• White
• Yellow Ochre
• Cadmium red
• Raw Umber
• Ivory Black
• Optional extras
• Cadmium Yellow, Venetian Red, Alizarin Crimson, Cobalt Blue, Ultramarine Blue

 Palette

• Palette Knife
• Kitchen Roll
• Brushes – hog or synthetic. Size recommendations: 2 x size 2, 4, 6, 8. Recommended shapes: filbert or flat.
• Small Tupperware for storing paints overnight
• Dipper
• Linseed Oil
• Low-odour solvent

If you prefer to draw, bring whatever drawing materials you prefer. If you would like a recommendation - nitram charcoal or willow charcoal, a grey putty rubber, and chalk if you choose to work on toned paper.

Who is the tutor?

Lydia Cecil trained at the London Atelier of Representational Art. She worked for many years in London, before moving to Italy. You can view her work on her website www.lydiacecil.co.uk or her Instagram @lydiacecilartist.

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 will 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. Please see our frequently asked questions or contact us.