Group Overview
What to expect
Arrive from 6pm as we start promptly at 6.30pm.
Drawing sessions usually start with a few quick drawings before the poses begin. We aim to offer a variety of poses from a diverse range of models. Drawing sessions are untutored although I or other members will be happy to give you a helping hand, offer advice and some direction if needed, especially during the Show+Share social time after drawing.
Materials Pack
Choose your Materials Pack> depending on your paper preference.
- Pack 1: 45gsm newsprint paper: up to 10 x A2 size sheets
- ideal for Short + Mixed pose sessions
- Pack 2: 140gsm mixed-media paper: up to either 4 x A2 size or 8 x A3 size sheets
- ideal for Mixed + Long pose sessions
- Pack 3: 220gsm mixed-media paper: up to either 2 x A2 size or 4 x A3 size sheets
- ideal for Long pose + Portrait sessions
All Material Packs include the use of pencils, charcoal, colour pencil crayons, rubbers.
CLICK HERE to purchase
Materials are loaned to you for use during the drawing session only, and should be looked after and returned before you leave. Your drawings are yours to cherish and take home.
Studio Equipment available free to use
- Drawing easels and boards (A2 or A1 size)
- Chairs
- Stools
- Side tables
- Water tubs
- Sink for washing equipment
Its a working art studio so you are free to experiment, play and make a bit of a mess! Oil painters, please use low odour solvents.
Music is usually an eclectic mix selected either from the curated archives of Slack City radio, curated Spotify playlists, or Planet Rock radio. Enjoy the musical vibes!
Refreshments are freely available throughout the session – tea, coffee (including de-caf), chocolate and ginger biscuits. Just help yourself.
Tutored classes and courses
- We run our Begin Life Drawing classes for absolute beginners. and those who are looking for a fully tutored life drawing class.
- We offer a 3-day Life Drawing Foundations courseteaching a transformational experiential and holistic approach to drawing the human form.
- We co-host the annual Life Drawing Marathon Manchester.
Studio Location
LDA meets at Hope Mill, Pollard Street in Ancoats in the Creative Art Courses studio.
Click here for directions, parking, and studio access information.
Session rota
- 1st Monday: Short dynamic poses
- poses up to 10min
- guidance – high energy, movement, fluidity
- 2nd Monday: Mixed-length poses
- poses from 10 to 25min
- guidance – flow, structure, light + shade
- 3rd Monday: Long pose, reclining
- alternate sessions 1 x 1hr45min, or 2 x 50min
- guidance – foreshortening, anatomy, detail
- 4th Monday: Portrait pose, seated
- alternate sessions nude or clothed
- single pose of 1hr 45min
- guidance – portraits, larger-than-life sectional studies, draped fabric
- 5th Monday: Begin Life Drawing tutored class
Follow + share
Join, follow + share
All images are students work completed on the course
Review
“ Lovely welcoming informal group. Nice studio space. So happy I found you and have a chance to do life drawing again! ” Julia G
Group details
Life drawing in a friendly studio
We do our best to offer a diverse variety of life models, male/female of differing body types and backgrounds.
Each session offers artists different length poses encouraging members to try different approaches and techniques. Members have the space to enjoy themselves in a supportive, relaxed and encouraging studio environment.
The group is based at Hope Mill in Anocats
Passion for life drawing
Life Drawing Ancoats (LDA) is a focused and dedicated group of life drawers of mixed abilities. We welcome absolute-beginners, celebrate those who’ve caught the life drawing bug, and embrace those who have experience, skills and technique we can all learn from.
Enjoy a warm Manchester welcome and make the most of the inclusive, creative atmosphere where you can feel confident in trying whatever you like – draw for the first time, experiment with new techniques, and simply be your artistic self.
Peer-support
There is no tutor so it is essential that group members are thoughtful, supportive, encouraging and friendly towards each other.
Relax! We like to start promptly and tend not to chase drawers out at the end of the session – stay awhile, chat, share experiences, review your work and generally chill out for a bit.
Life Drawing Ancoats (LDA) is here to support individual creative growth.
What do the group members think?
“ A great way to socialise and share idea/tips with other life drawers. Always enjoy this event! ” Gem
“ A very good meet -up for anyone interested in improving their drawing skills ” Caroline J
“ Best life drawing meet up in Manchester ” Kaye
“ A great bunch of people-friendly,informal atmosphere. Lovely studio space. I can only reiterate this comment! ” Helen J
Sue (verified owner) –
Attending Life Drawing Ancoats is the highlight of my week. Being able to draw amazing professional models in this friendly studio space is a privilege. It is a safe, friendly place, unlike any other in Manchester, because it is always possible to get a good view of the models. It is a place where we can learn from each other. It’s always interesting to see people using different mediums and approaches. Brian, a wonderful artist/teacher himself, draws alongside us and is always encouraging and always willing to offer helpful advice which is both supportive and inspirational. His life drawing courses are positive learning experiences where we’re taught to observe carefully, to use different drawing techniques for conveying a sense that there is a living, breathing human being in front of us. The sessions vary from short poses, long poses, mixed poses and portraits so there’s a variety of timings which lend themselves to trying different styles. This is a unique space, hosted by a special teacher and highly recommended.
Marta (verified owner) –
I absolutely love these life drawing sessions. The space is beautifully set up with everything you need to create comfortably, and the atmosphere is warm, friendly, and genuinely supportive.
Everyone who attends is kind and open, which makes it not just a place to draw, but also to connect, share thoughts, and reflect on the work together. There’s a lovely balance between focus and gentle social interaction.
The tutor is incredibly talented and generous with their knowledge, always offering insightful tips and encouragement. The models are excellent as well—professional, expressive, and a pleasure to draw.
I’m truly grateful to have found this space
Jignesh Mistry (verified owner) –
A wonderful life drawing class with a really friendly and supportive atmosphere. I’ve been attending for a while now and it has played a big part in helping me develop my figure drawing skills. Brian, who runs the sessions, has been extremely encouraging and helpful throughout my journey, and he creates a welcoming environment where both beginners and experienced artists can learn and improve. The sessions are always enjoyable, relaxed and inspiring. I would highly recommend it to anyone looking to explore or develop their life drawing.