Life Drawing 101: How to Survive a Life Drawing Session

Have you ever attended a life drawing session only to walk out unsatisfied and discouraged with your work? Are your figure drawings turning out like stick people from a diagram with no form, movement and anything but life?  Whether you are a seasoned attendee or just starting out, this 4-week course will change the way you draw figures from life. Through demonstrations from the instructor, we will cover the basics of gesture drawing and how to get the most of it as you transition to longer poses. We will also learn measuring techniques to improve the credibility of the model. Moreover, we will practice techniques that will simplify turning the complex human form into a plausible presentation.

About the instructor: 

Paul Abeleira is a graduate of Western’s Visual Arts program. He continues his own studies in still life and portraiture in workshops  in New York, Wisconsin and Arizona, and has instructed artists in many facets of visual arts. Paul has taught at TAP for over 10 years and has received positive responses from his students who characterize him as a sensitive coach with a broad range of skills and knowledge. He is committed to making the learning experience worthwhile.

Thursday evenings from 6pm-9pm

October 2, 9, 16 and 23, 2025

Instructor: Paul Abeleira

Location: Cocker Fulton

$200 + materials

Maximum of 10 students

Materials

1 or 2 newsprint drawing pads, 18 x 24 inches

Few sheets good drawing paper, 18 x 24 inches (can be Strathmore, Stonehenge, Canson or any reputable brand that is ideal for finished work)

2 bull clips

Soft vine or willow charcoal (please make sure it is soft grade)

Compressed charcoal

Charcoal Pencil (optional, but please make sure it is soft)

Kneaded eraser

Sharpening blade (Exact-o knife is ideal; necessary only if using charcoal pencils)

Paper towels

Sandpaper block (optional)