The absolute-beginners guide to starting art. Banish your worries or confusion and learn to enjoy your drawing and painting.
Learn how to start drawing and painting with step by step demonstrations, practical exercises, and insightful tips.
Try lots of different drawing and painting materials with clear instructions in how to use them correctly. Get answers to all your burning questions about drawing and painting and leave excited, knowledgeable and feeling more confident.
Learn to ‘see’ more
Session 1 Learn the right approach to drawing to help you ‘see’ more details, along with a range of measuring techniques to help you draw with more accuracy and improve proportions. This session also covers perspective and ensures you grasp all the underlying principles and how to apply this to your drawings.
Draw with accuracy + detail
Session 2 Put into practice all we have learnt so far by tackling a still life drawing. Students will be supported with lots of one-to-one guidance every step of the way. Learn to improve shading and start to feel more confident with all the basic drawing techniques.
Experiment with art materials
Session 3 Demonstrations in a variety of materials will help students discover their creative side. Students will have the opportunity to draw with willow and compressed charcoal and soft chalk pastels, and paint in acrylics. This session is about exploring individual creativity but also to practice the technical drawing skills from session 1 + 2.
Experiment with water colour paints
Session 4 The final session is dedicated to teaching watercolour painting. Students will be introduced to brush control, and a host of tips and tricks that can be applied to all types of painting. Insights into the world of acrylic gels + mediums , comparisons between brands, and tips on where to save money is also included.
By the end of the course …
Students complete the course having gained enough knowledge and experience to feel excited about continuing to learn and develop their drawing and painting with confidence and ease.
Daler Rowney: A3 size Fine Grain heavy weight drawing pad 200gsm
Winsor + Newton: A3 size Medium Surface cartridge pad 220gsm
Or buy the Beginner’s Materials Pack
Select from the Linked Courses + Products section here >, or
After buying this course, purchase on your ‘View Cart’ page.
All your essential materials will be waiting for you in the studio at the start of the course.
Optional items to bring Cloth for cleaning your hands Rag (old cloth) for smudging charcoal or paint Wear old clothes or bring an apron Pen and notebook for taking notes
To help you decide what level course is best, you will see Teaching Levels on each of the course pages above the ‘Add to cart’ button.
Students will always benefit from clear instructions and lots of one-to-one tuition on all of my courses.
Level 1: Absolute-beginner For those students who have never done any art or are returning to art after a very long break. Teaching focuses on core skills with tutor-led exercises on use of materials and techniques
Level 2: Beginner + Improver For those students who have done some art learning, draw or paint occasionally at home or attend an art group, and feel they need to gain a foundation in the basic techniques. Teaching focuses on core skills, understanding and use of the Art Elements + Principles, materials + techniques, with tutor-led exercises and mini projects.
Level 3: Intermediate For those students who have learnt the basic techniques, have gained some artistic confidence and are seeking to develop their skills further to create more complex work. Teaching focuses on developing art skills, creative techniques and individual styles, students’ ability to self-assess their work, encouraging experimentation, with tutor-led exercises and time for extended projects with the benefit of group critiques.
Level 4: Experienced For those students confident in their abilities and techniques, who are looking to challenge themselves further, to create a coherent body of work, possibly to exhibit and sell. Teaching focuses on guiding students in developing their own ideas and self-directed practice, through enhancing personal skills and techniques and encouraging a deeper contextual awareness with the benefit of one-to-one tutorials.
There are 2 approaches to deciding what to do next.
Treat my courses as a Mix + Match Patchwork
All my courses can be booked as single stand-alone courses on whichever topic takes your interest.
Just book whichever course you want when it suits you.
Choose one of the linked courses at the bottom of this page
These courses are suggestions that will help you develop and progress your art in a more focused direction.
Whichever approach you choose, remember to check the Teaching Levels (eg: Level 1, Level 2, or mixed ability).
Student Quotes
“A fantastic introduction to drawing and painting. I learnt so much about technique, materials and equipment I feel excited to go away and practice what I have learnt.” Joanne B
“Really enjoyable, Brian has a great approach to teaching, informative, encouraging and fun! Learnt more in a weekend than in a previous beginners course of 10 weeks.” Wendy B
“Strongly recommend. Relaxing, thoughtful and pleasurable learning experience.” Philip L
Try lots of different drawing and painting materials with clear instructions in how to use them correctly. Get answers to all your burning questions about drawing and painting and leave excited, knowledgeable and feeling more confident.
Learn to ‘see’ more
Session 1 Learn the right approach to drawing to help you ‘see’ more details, along with a range of measuring techniques to help you draw with more accuracy and improve proportions. This session also covers perspective and ensures you grasp all the underlying principles and how to apply this to your drawings.
Draw with accuracy + detail
Session 2 Put into practice all we have learnt so far by tackling a still life drawing. Students will be supported with lots of one-to-one guidance every step of the way. Learn to improve shading and start to feel more confident with all the basic drawing techniques.
Experiment with art materials
Session 3 Demonstrations in a variety of materials will help students discover their creative side. Students will have the opportunity to draw with willow and compressed charcoal and soft chalk pastels, and paint in acrylics. This session is about exploring individual creativity but also to practice the technical drawing skills from session 1 + 2.
Experiment with water colour paints
Session 4 The final session is dedicated to teaching watercolour painting. Students will be introduced to brush control, and a host of tips and tricks that can be applied to all types of painting. Insights into the world of acrylic gels + mediums , comparisons between brands, and tips on where to save money is also included.
By the end of the course …
Students complete the course having gained enough knowledge and experience to feel excited about continuing to learn and develop their drawing and painting with confidence and ease.
Daler Rowney: A3 size Fine Grain heavy weight drawing pad 200gsm
Winsor + Newton: A3 size Medium Surface cartridge pad 220gsm
Or buy the Beginner’s Materials Pack
Select from the Linked Courses + Products section here >, or
After buying this course, purchase on your ‘View Cart’ page.
All your essential materials will be waiting for you in the studio at the start of the course.
Optional items to bring Cloth for cleaning your hands Rag (old cloth) for smudging charcoal or paint Wear old clothes or bring an apron Pen and notebook for taking notes
To help you decide what level course is best, you will see Teaching Levels on each of the course pages above the ‘Add to cart’ button.
Students will always benefit from clear instructions and lots of one-to-one tuition on all of my courses.
Level 1: Absolute-beginner For those students who have never done any art or are returning to art after a very long break. Teaching focuses on core skills with tutor-led exercises on use of materials and techniques
Level 2: Beginner + Improver For those students who have done some art learning, draw or paint occasionally at home or attend an art group, and feel they need to gain a foundation in the basic techniques. Teaching focuses on core skills, understanding and use of the Art Elements + Principles, materials + techniques, with tutor-led exercises and mini projects.
Level 3: Intermediate For those students who have learnt the basic techniques, have gained some artistic confidence and are seeking to develop their skills further to create more complex work. Teaching focuses on developing art skills, creative techniques and individual styles, students’ ability to self-assess their work, encouraging experimentation, with tutor-led exercises and time for extended projects with the benefit of group critiques.
Level 4: Experienced For those students confident in their abilities and techniques, who are looking to challenge themselves further, to create a coherent body of work, possibly to exhibit and sell. Teaching focuses on guiding students in developing their own ideas and self-directed practice, through enhancing personal skills and techniques and encouraging a deeper contextual awareness with the benefit of one-to-one tutorials.
There are 2 approaches to deciding what to do next.
Treat my courses as a Mix + Match Patchwork
All my courses can be booked as single stand-alone courses on whichever topic takes your interest.
Just book whichever course you want when it suits you.
Choose one of the linked courses at the bottom of this page
These courses are suggestions that will help you develop and progress your art in a more focused direction.
Whichever approach you choose, remember to check the Teaching Levels (eg: Level 1, Level 2, or mixed ability).
Student Quotes
“A fantastic introduction to drawing and painting. I learnt so much about technique, materials and equipment I feel excited to go away and practice what I have learnt.” Joanne B
“Really enjoyable, Brian has a great approach to teaching, informative, encouraging and fun! Learnt more in a weekend than in a previous beginners course of 10 weeks.” Wendy B
“Strongly recommend. Relaxing, thoughtful and pleasurable learning experience.” Philip L
Begin to draw + paint
£140.00
Priced per course
The absolute-beginners guide to starting art. Banish your worries or confusion and learn to enjoy your drawing and painting.
Learn how to start drawing and painting with step by step demonstrations, practical exercises, and insightful tips.
Suitable for: Adults
Teaching Level: Absolute-beginners
Course Structure
Try lots of different drawing and painting materials with clear instructions in how to use them correctly. Get answers to all your burning questions about drawing and painting and leave excited, knowledgeable and feeling more confident.
Learn to ‘see’ more
Session 1
Learn the right approach to drawing to help you ‘see’ more details, along with a range of measuring techniques to help you draw with more accuracy and improve proportions. This session also covers perspective and ensures you grasp all the underlying principles and how to apply this to your drawings.
Draw with accuracy + detail
Session 2
Put into practice all we have learnt so far by tackling a still life drawing. Students will be supported with lots of one-to-one guidance every step of the way. Learn to improve shading and start to feel more confident with all the basic drawing techniques.
Experiment with art materials
Session 3
Demonstrations in a variety of materials will help students discover their creative side. Students will have the opportunity to draw with willow and compressed charcoal and soft chalk pastels, and paint in acrylics. This session is about exploring individual creativity but also to practice the technical drawing skills from session 1 + 2.
Experiment with water colour paints
Session 4
The final session is dedicated to teaching watercolour painting. Students will be introduced to brush control, and a host of tips and tricks that can be applied to all types of painting. Insights into the world of acrylic gels + mediums , comparisons between brands, and tips on where to save money is also included.
By the end of the course …
Students complete the course having gained enough knowledge and experience to feel excited about continuing to learn and develop their drawing and painting with confidence and ease.
Helpful info + Guidance
Please read carefully
Information here over-rides similar information in the ‘Course info’ tab.
Course information
Group size
Refreshments
Please read the Studio COVID-SECURE procedures: Click here >
__________________________________
Days: Sat + Sun
Times: 10-4pm, both days
Materials: Includes most materials, other than the materials students are asked to bring
Suitable for: Adults
Teaching Level: Absolute-Beginners
Group Size: Min 6 – Max 10
Your tutor: Brian Raymond biography >
Refreshments:
Course includes tea, coffee & biscuits. Please provide your own lunch on full day courses, workshops and classes.
Essential items to bring
Fine Grain heavy weight drawing pad
200gsm
Medium Surface cartridge pad
220gsm
Or buy the Beginner’s Materials Pack
All your essential materials will be waiting for you in the studio at the start of the course.
Optional items to bring
Cloth for cleaning your hands
Rag (old cloth) for smudging charcoal or paint
Wear old clothes or bring an apron
Pen and notebook for taking notes
Or buy the Beginner’s Materials Pack
All your essential materials will be waiting for you in the studio at the start of the course.
To help you answer the question,
“What level course is right for me?”
To help you decide what level course is best, you will see Teaching Levels on each of the course pages above the ‘Add to cart’ button.
Students will always benefit from clear instructions and lots of one-to-one tuition on all of my courses.
Level 1: Absolute-beginner
For those students who have never done any art or are returning to art after a very long break.
Teaching focuses on core skills with tutor-led exercises on use of materials and techniques
Level 2: Beginner + Improver
For those students who have done some art learning, draw or paint occasionally at home or attend an art group, and feel they need to gain a foundation in the basic techniques.
Teaching focuses on core skills, understanding and use of the Art Elements + Principles, materials + techniques, with tutor-led exercises and mini projects.
Level 3: Intermediate
For those students who have learnt the basic techniques, have gained some artistic confidence and are seeking to develop their skills further to create more complex work.
Teaching focuses on developing art skills, creative techniques and individual styles, students’ ability to self-assess their work, encouraging experimentation, with tutor-led exercises and time for extended projects with the benefit of group critiques.
Level 4: Experienced
For those students confident in their abilities and techniques, who are looking to challenge themselves further, to create a coherent body of work, possibly to exhibit and sell.
Teaching focuses on guiding students in developing their own ideas and self-directed practice, through enhancing personal skills and techniques and encouraging a deeper contextual awareness with the benefit of one-to-one tutorials.
To help you answer the question,
“What course should I do next?”
There are 2 approaches to deciding what to do next.
Whichever approach you choose, remember to check the Teaching Levels (eg: Level 1, Level 2, or mixed ability).
Student Quotes
More reviews >
Waiting list
__________________________________________
Course Structure
Try lots of different drawing and painting materials with clear instructions in how to use them correctly. Get answers to all your burning questions about drawing and painting and leave excited, knowledgeable and feeling more confident.
Learn to ‘see’ more
Session 1
Learn the right approach to drawing to help you ‘see’ more details, along with a range of measuring techniques to help you draw with more accuracy and improve proportions. This session also covers perspective and ensures you grasp all the underlying principles and how to apply this to your drawings.
Draw with accuracy + detail
Session 2
Put into practice all we have learnt so far by tackling a still life drawing. Students will be supported with lots of one-to-one guidance every step of the way. Learn to improve shading and start to feel more confident with all the basic drawing techniques.
Experiment with art materials
Session 3
Demonstrations in a variety of materials will help students discover their creative side. Students will have the opportunity to draw with willow and compressed charcoal and soft chalk pastels, and paint in acrylics. This session is about exploring individual creativity but also to practice the technical drawing skills from session 1 + 2.
Experiment with water colour paints
Session 4
The final session is dedicated to teaching watercolour painting. Students will be introduced to brush control, and a host of tips and tricks that can be applied to all types of painting. Insights into the world of acrylic gels + mediums , comparisons between brands, and tips on where to save money is also included.
By the end of the course …
Students complete the course having gained enough knowledge and experience to feel excited about continuing to learn and develop their drawing and painting with confidence and ease.
Helpful info + Guidance
Please read carefully
Information here over-rides similar information in the ‘Course info’ tab.
Course information
Group size
Refreshments
Please read the Studio COVID-SECURE procedures: Click here >
__________________________________
Days: Sat + Sun
Times: 10-4pm, both days
Materials: Includes most materials, other than the materials students are asked to bring
Suitable for: Adults
Teaching Level: Absolute-Beginners
Group Size: Min 6 – Max 10
Your tutor: Brian Raymond biography >
Refreshments:
Course includes tea, coffee & biscuits. Please provide your own lunch on full day courses, workshops and classes.
Essential items to bring
Fine Grain heavy weight drawing pad
200gsm
Medium Surface cartridge pad
220gsm
Or buy the Beginner’s Materials Pack
All your essential materials will be waiting for you in the studio at the start of the course.
Optional items to bring
Cloth for cleaning your hands
Rag (old cloth) for smudging charcoal or paint
Wear old clothes or bring an apron
Pen and notebook for taking notes
Or buy the Beginner’s Materials Pack
All your essential materials will be waiting for you in the studio at the start of the course.
To help you answer the question,
“What level course is right for me?”
To help you decide what level course is best, you will see Teaching Levels on each of the course pages above the ‘Add to cart’ button.
Students will always benefit from clear instructions and lots of one-to-one tuition on all of my courses.
Level 1: Absolute-beginner
For those students who have never done any art or are returning to art after a very long break.
Teaching focuses on core skills with tutor-led exercises on use of materials and techniques
Level 2: Beginner + Improver
For those students who have done some art learning, draw or paint occasionally at home or attend an art group, and feel they need to gain a foundation in the basic techniques.
Teaching focuses on core skills, understanding and use of the Art Elements + Principles, materials + techniques, with tutor-led exercises and mini projects.
Level 3: Intermediate
For those students who have learnt the basic techniques, have gained some artistic confidence and are seeking to develop their skills further to create more complex work.
Teaching focuses on developing art skills, creative techniques and individual styles, students’ ability to self-assess their work, encouraging experimentation, with tutor-led exercises and time for extended projects with the benefit of group critiques.
Level 4: Experienced
For those students confident in their abilities and techniques, who are looking to challenge themselves further, to create a coherent body of work, possibly to exhibit and sell.
Teaching focuses on guiding students in developing their own ideas and self-directed practice, through enhancing personal skills and techniques and encouraging a deeper contextual awareness with the benefit of one-to-one tutorials.
To help you answer the question,
“What course should I do next?”
There are 2 approaches to deciding what to do next.
Whichever approach you choose, remember to check the Teaching Levels (eg: Level 1, Level 2, or mixed ability).
Student Quotes
More reviews >
Linked Courses + Products
Acrylic painting L1
£140.00 Select optionsCreative drawing L1
£140.00 Select optionsBeginner’s material pack
£29.50 Add to cartThe Art Elements
£210.00 Select optionsRelated products
Abstract Art
£140.00 Select optionsCreative drawing L2
£140.00 Select optionsEssential Drawing Foundations
£210.00 Select options