In addition to discussing each other's work at the end of the class, artists are welcome to submit a work from the class to Ann for a visual mark-up.
We also offer pre-recorded video tutorials (see below)
Taught by Ann Mackowski. All classes are from 19:00-21:00 UK Time
For Video Recording of Past Class, Contact Us at soholifedrawing@gmail.com with request(s)
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Intro to Life Drawing
VIDEO AVAILABLE
It's the original Mini Course!
Made for beginners and early stage life drawers looking for guidance, Intro to Online Life Drawing is our original mini-course—a friendly and non judgmental class is designed to equip members with an introductory toolkit they can use when learning to draw.
In the space of two hours, tutor Ann Mackowski will cover a wide breadth of practical introductions and advice for life drawing, including
--Mark-making and Materials
--Composition
--Intro to Gesture Drawing
and
--Foreshortening
You'll also learn a little bit of art history in the process.
To join, simply return to this page after payment or copy this link and click on it after payment at the date and time of class*
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87199482722
At the end of class we'll have a break where those who wish can show one another their work and engage in a friendly group critique--or have corrections done on screen for the brave. Members can also send Ann a photo of one of their works from class for an additional visual mark-up.
This class is also available to buy in a pre-recorded version here
*No further information is necessary from you, and no passcode after payment is issued as this is an open link. We work on an honour system where we simply match the number of attendees to number of purchases. In the rare event that a class is cancelled, you will be notified via e mail and refunded in full. Contact us if you encounter any difficulties
The Reclining Nude for Beginners
VIDEO AVAILABLE
Learn how to draw languid and soulful reclining figures in this beginner’s class entirely focussed on the recumbent form. We’ll be focussing on ways in which to map, draft and draw figures laying down in perspective, proportionately, and fluidly. This class will cover a range of introductory life drawing concepts including
—Beginner’s Foreshortening
—Beginner’s Balance
—Beginner’s Gesture
—Landmarks and the Envelope
Tutor Ann Mackowski will be teaching the class through a mix of on-screen demonstrations, diagrams, and a plethora of gorgeous reference photos to draw from.
For this class, we recommend working in pencil. In particular, if you have at least one high H pencil (so 3H-8H) and one normal or B pencil (HB-3B) this will suit the class well.
As with all our mini-courses, this class is entirely non-judgmental. At the end we’ll have a show and tell (for those who feel comfortable showing their work) and the chance for a friendly group critique. If you’re shy or want a more in-depth critique of your work, feel free to e mail one or two images to Ann at the end of the class who will provide you with visual corrections.
How To Join
To join, simply return to this page after payment and click on the link below at the date and time of class.
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87199482722
No further information is necessary from you, and no passcode is issued as this is an open link (we operate on an honour system). In the rare event that a class is cancelled, you will be notified via e mail and refunded in full. Contact us if you encounter any difficulties
Chiaroscuro: Charcoal Technique
VIDEO AVAILABLE
In this beginner’s class we’ll be learning how to shade using charcoal by focussing on chiaroscuro—the art of pushing light and dark values to their limits. Favoured by artists such as Rembrandt, Chiaroscuro is a way to create drawings and paintings with instantly dramatic tones, and is a good way for beginners to dive into the world of values.
Taught by Ann Mackowski, you can expect a detailed breakdown of drafting and finishing chiaroscuro drawings on charcoal using on-screen demonstrations and visual breakdowns of the figures we’ll be drawing--and by the end of class a newfound understanding of how to add drama to your work.
Please bring
Charcoal
Paper
Eraser (optional)
Paintbrush (recommended), q tip, smudger, or any other material with which to smudge the charcoal
To Join
To join, simply return to this page after payment and click on the link below at the date and time of class.
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87199482722
*No further information is necessary from you, and no passcode is issued as this is an open link (we operate on an honour system). In the rare event that a class is cancelled, you will be notified via e mail and refunded in full. Contact us if you encounter any difficulties
Beginner's Portraiture
VIDEO AVAILABLE
In this class we’ll learn the basics of creating dynamic, well balanced portraits on any scale. Too many of us struggle with heads that are too large, or eyes that just seem too thick—and getting the right mix of features sometimes feels just impossible. However with the right tools, drawing faces can be both fun and simple! Suitable for complete beginners as well as self-taught artists looking for a catch-up, this class gives simple yet detailed guidance into creating compelling portraits.
You can expect to learn how to draw the human head from any angle, as well as understand how to convey faces in brief when working in smaller scales.
Bring whatever materials you would like—although we would recommend against using charcoal or wet mediums if you are a beginner!
Taught by Soho Life Drawing founder Ann Mackowski, this portraiture class is part of our mini-class series designed to give beginner, early-stage, and self-taught life drawers a leg up. Choosing from a variety of poses and examples from contemporary art and art history, these comprehensive classes allow students to get a more in depth understanding of life drawing as well as one-on-one critiques for those who wish—who can send Ann a photo of one of their works from class for an additional visual mark-up.
How To Join
To join, simply return to this page after payment and click on the link below at the date and time of class.
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87199482722
No further information is necessary from you, and no passcode is issued as this is an open link (we operate on an honour system). In the rare event that a class is cancelled, you will be notified via e mail and refunded in full. Contact us if you encounter any difficulties
Beginners Watercolours: Chiaroscuro 1
VIDEO AVAILABLE
In this class, suitable for beginners, we’ll be using watercolours (or ink if you prefer) to learn how to paint chiaroscuro— the art of exaggerating light and dark values. Ann Mackowski will walk you step by step through the process of creating figures that appear to materialise out of darkness, creating paintings full of depth and drama.
You can expect to learn about
—What is Chiaroscuro
—Ways of Shading with Watercolours
—Using Negative and Positive Space in Painting
—The Role of Light in Chiaroscuro
—Suggesting the Human Form
Ann will be using on-screen demonstrations, as well as breaking down our poses by marking off step-by-step how to approach them.
In terms of mediums, this will be a monotone class so we can take the time to understand technique, so it is only necessarily to have one colour. Please bring
—Watercolour Paper (or thick board or the like)
—At least one watercolour or ink
—Brushes. It is recommended to bring one medium and one small brush.
—Paper Towels
Optional
—Minimally StickyTape ( Optional—this would be used to create a blank border)
For those of you who wish to move on to creating chiaroscuro figure paintings in colour, Ann will be running a class on beginner’s watercolour colour technique as well as one on chiaroscuro figure painting in colour later this month (see class descriptions)
How To Join
To join, simply return to this page after payment and click on this link at the date and time of class.
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87199482722
No further information is necessary from you, and no passcode is issued as this is an open link (we operate on an honour system). In the rare event that a class is cancelled, you will be notified via e mail and refunded in full. Contact us if you encounter any difficulties
Beginners Watercolours: Colour Technique
VIDEO AVAILABLE
In this beginner-oriented class we’ll be using watercolour techniques for building colour in figure painting. Starting with a comprehensive look at how different colours can create skin tones, we’ll be taking the time to focus on basic concepts. We’ll be learning how to use a technique of working from light to dark to create cleanly defined colours. In this 2 hour class you can expect to:
—Learn about defining and mixing Warm and Cool Values
—How to prepare your watercolours
—Colour wheels/Flesh Tone Gradation
—Building Flesh tones with “Glazing”—a method of layering colours (we’ll do light to dark in this class)
Please bring:
—Red, Yellow, and Blue Watercolours
—Yellow Ochre, Burnt Sienna, Burnt Umber, Alazarin Crimson OR Pyrrol Crimson, Raw Umber, Ultramarine, Pthalo Blue
--Paintbrushes
--Watercolour Paper
--2-3 Cups Water
--Paper Towels/Rag/ Etc... for Wiping
To Join
To join, simply return to this page after payment and click on this link at the date and time of class.
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87199482722
No further information is necessary from you, and no passcode is issued as this is an open link (we operate on an honour system). In the rare event that a class is cancelled, you will be notified via e mail and refunded in full. Contact us if you encounter any difficulties
Beginners Shading
VIDEO AVAILABLE
Learn how to shade in this comprehensive class for beginners! Shading adds depth, luminosity, and realism—and with just a few simply rules and tricks you can harness it to create realistic and captivating drawings. We’ll be learning about
—Sharpening your pencil to shade and holding your pencil
—Gradients
—Basic rules of Light
Made to mimic the benefits of an in person class, SLD Founder and teacher Ann Mackowski will walk you through the basics of shading, answering any questions you may have along the way. At the end of the class you can expect to have lots of drawings of poses specifically targeted towards learning how to shade.
As always, at the end we’ll have a show and tell (for those who feel comfortable showing their work) and the chance for a friendly group critique. If you’re shy or want a more in-depth critique of your work, feel free to e mail one or two images to Ann at the end of the class who will provide you with visual corrections.
How To Join
To join, simply return to this page after payment and click on the link below at the date and time of class.
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87199482722
No further information is necessary from you, and no passcode is issued as this is an open link (we operate on an honour system). In the rare event that a class is cancelled, you will be notified via e mail and refunded in full. Contact us if you encounter any difficulties
Beginner's Chiaroscuro Portraiture
VIDEO AVAILABLE
Learn how to create evocative portraits full of depth and mystique in this beginner’s class where we’ll be learning the basics of both portraiture and chiaroscuro, and then blending the two to create gorgeous finished works. We’ll start the class by going over basics of portraiture including
—Facial Proportions and Mapping
—Drafting a Portrait
And chiaroscuro, including
—What is Chiaroscuro
—Shading
—Using Positive and Negative Space
We’ll then move on to creating a finished portrait combining the techniques learned in class.
In this class, we'll be using pencil to create shading--however, feel free to bring charcoal if you like. We recommend bringing at least one High B pencil (so 3B-8B)
Ann will be using plenty of on-screen demonstrations to show you exactly how to create chiaroscuro portraits, and for your final work, will be including helpful markups to show you the precise steps you’ll take to create a satisfying finished work.
How To Join
To join, simply return to this page after payment and click on this link at the date and time of class.
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87199482722
No further information is necessary from you, and no passcode is issued as this is an open link (we operate on an honour system). In the rare event that a class is cancelled, you will be notified via e mail and refunded in full. Contact us if you encounter any difficulties
Egon Schiele: Man and Method
Tues Jan 26th
19:00-21:00 UK Time
(11AM-1PM US Pacific)
In this class we’ll be learning about master of figure drawing Egon Schiele, and how to incorporate his techniques into your own drawing styles. Through presentation, examples, and plenty of exercises, we’ll be building up your stylistic ability in a friendly atmosphere in a session focussed on enjoyment and experimentation. Bring along whatever materials you have on hand and prepare to channel the mind of one of the 20th century’s most influential figure artists!
This class is part of Soho Life Drawing’s mini-class series designed to give beginner, early-stage, and self-taught life drawers a leg up. Choosing from a variety of poses and examples from contemporary art and art history, these comprehensive classes allow students to get a more in depth understanding of life drawing as well as one-on-one critiques for those who wish—who can send Ann a photo of one of their works from class for an additional visual mark-up.
How To Join
To join, simply return to this page after payment and click on this link at the date and time of class.
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87199482722
No further information is necessary from you, and no passcode is issued as this is an open link (we operate on an honour system). In the rare event that a class is cancelled, you will be notified via e mail and refunded in full. Contact us if you encounter any difficulties
Feet and Ankles
Weds Jan 27th
19:00-21:00 UK Time
(11AM-1PM US Pacific)
When it comes to life drawing, it pays to work from the ground up—which is why we’re bringing you this class entirely focussed on feet and ankles. From drawing feet from any angle to creating a graceful attachment to the lower leg, this class is a one-stop-shop for everything you’ll ever need for drawing feet. This class should immediately boost your life drawing practice by equipping you with the tools to create figures that stand out amongst the crowd of floating and wobbly footed drawings all of us too commonly make. This class is suitable for complete novices as well as more experienced artists looking for a catch up.
As always, class includes a mix of presentation, examples, plenty of exercises and targeted poses, and a friendly group in which to share your final works. Great for beginner's, you can expect to leave confidently with an understanding of how to draw these most tricky of appendages.
Bring whatever materials you would like—although we would recommend against using charcoal or wet mediums if you are a beginner.
How To Join
To join, simply return to this page after payment and click on link at the date and time of class.
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87199482722
No further information is necessary from you, and no passcode is issued as this is an open link (we operate on an honour system). In the rare event that a class is cancelled, you will be notified via e mail and refunded in full. Contact us if you encounter any difficulties
The Seated Nude: Beginners Class
Thurs Jan 28th
19:00-21:00 UK Time
(11AM-1PM US Pacific)
Learning to life draw invariably involves drawing seated poses. However, while these are some of the most common poses in figure drawing, they can also be some of the most difficult. Criss-crossed limbs, bended knees, and leaning figures are often the bane of beginners trying to draw.
In this beginners class, however, tutor Ann Mackowski will be walking you through some basic steps and functional techniques that will allow you to draw seated figures from all angles. You can expect to learn about
—Foreshortening
—Proportion
—Methodology
And
—Tips and Tricks that you can use to check the accuracy of your drawings yourself.
all while working from some gorgeous poses.
We will also cover some concepts of gesture in order to pave the way for more fluid drawings.
This class is completely non-judgmental, as with all of our classes, and takes into account that for many of our members, this will be one of their first forays into life drawing. The bulk of learning how to draw is learning how to see, and the process is more important than the finished work, so if you are a beginner or not yet fully confident in your work, please don’t be shy of joining.
As always, at the end we’ll have a show and tell (for those who feel comfortable showing their work) and the chance for a friendly interaction with your peers. If you don’t wish to show your work, or want a more in-depth critique of your work, feel free to e mail one or two images to Ann at the end of the class who will provide an on-screen markup.
How To Join
To join, simply return to this page after payment and click on the link below at the date and time of class.
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87199482722
No further information is necessary from you, and no passcode is issued as this is an open link (we operate on an honour system). In the rare event that a class is cancelled, you will be notified via e mail and refunded in full. Contact us if you encounter any difficulties
Beginners Watercolours: Chiaroscuro 2
Weds Feb 3rd
19:00-21:00 UK Time
(11AM-1PM US Pacific)
In this class we’ll be learning how to paint figures using Chiaroscuro, the art of dramaticising compositions by pushing light and dark values to their max. We’ll be learning how to use empty space to create the impression of light for dynamic figures, using black ink to create contrast, and working with colour in some unexpected ways to create flesh tones.
Designed for beginners, tutor Ann Mackowski will be providing on-screen examples and demonstrations for each step in the process, and breaking down our reference poses into diagrams to help you with your finished work.
Please Bring
--—Red, Yellow, and Blue Watercolours INCLUDING
—Yellow Ochre, Burnt Sienna, Burnt Umber, Crimson (Alazarin or Pyrrol ideally), Raw Umber (optional), Ultramarine, Pthalo Blue, Black
--Recommended: Black Ink
--Paintbrushes (recommended; one medium filbert, one small round, one large brush of any kind except fan)
--Watercolour Paper
--2-3 Cups Water
--Paper Towels/Rag/ Etc... for Wiping
It is not necessary to have attended Watercolour Chiaroscuro 1 to join this class as each step will be gone over in detail. However, if you would have liked to attend Watercolour Chiaroscuro 1 or Beginner's Watercolours: Colour Technique, they will be available to purchase in video form after class. Just contact us if you'd like to do so.
To Join
To join, simply click on this link at date and time of class after making payment (below)
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87199482722
No further information is necessary from you, and no passcode is issued as this is an open link (we operate on an honour system). In the rare event that a class is cancelled, you will be notified via e mail and refunded in full. Contact us if you encounter any difficulties
Drop-In Live Online Guided Life Drawing
18:15-20:15 UK Time
Every Monday
In this weekly drop-in class, you'll be given light guidance as you draw a new model every week. Enjoy a wide variety of poses in this beginner-friendly bunch, and if you'd like, share your work during the break with other brave souls!
To join, after paying, simply click on the link below at the time of the class (18:15 UK Time). We operate on an honour system which has so far matched attendance, so we won't currently need any additional information.
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87199482722
Looking forward to seeing you there!
Eyes, Nose, Lips £10 Request Video
Hair, Glorious Hair! £10 Request Video
The Reclining Nude for Beginners £10 Request Video
1. Transfer class+transfer fees to onlinebookings@soholifedrawing.com via Paypal or by clicking on https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/soholifedrawing with the Class Name (s) as Reference before class starts
2. Join class on the day by clicking "Start Class" Button (Above) or Zoom Link (below) 5 Minutes Before Start Time
Link: Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87199482722
Meeting ID: 871 9948 2722
Classes also posted weekly on insta @soho_life_drawing
*Gift certificates available--please e mail for details