Introduction to Life Drawing Night Class
Visual Arts
A course by
Otago Polytechnic
A practical night class designed to develop perception and expressive drawing skills through structured life drawing sessions, suitable for beginners and experienced artists alike.
In-person study
Face-to-face learning in a physical classroom setting
Dunedin School of Art, Life Drawing Room, Dunedin
It will take a total of 8 weeks
This course requires 2 hours per week
Core skills this course teaches
Expand visual perception and interpretation through life drawing
Students will grow their observational drawing skills and develop personal approaches to interpreting the human form.
Gain confidence in drawing the human figure
Learners will be able to break down and express complex forms through hands-on practice with life models.
Apply professional studio and life model etiquette
What You're Signing Up For
The Introduction to Life Drawing Night Class aims to expand students’ perception and ability to express that perception through figure drawing. Focusing on the experience rather than the finished product, students will explore self-perception and interpretation, using the complexity of the human figure as a central subject. The course is hands-on, emphasising observational skills, understanding of form and anatomy, and developing individual artistic approach. Classes follow life drawing conventions with professional models in a respectful environment. Suitable for both newcomers to drawing and seasoned artists.
Course Content
- Perceptual drawing exercises
- Expressive use of charcoal, conte, and other drawing media
- Understanding human form and figure anatomy
- Working from live, unclothed models (male and female)
- Life drawing etiquette and model protocol
- Developing observational and interpretative art skills
- Strategies for overcoming self-criticism in art
- Best practices for studio set-up and material usage
What you need to know first
Learners under 16 years require parental consent to enrol and must follow specific parental notification procedures.
What sort of industry will this job lead to
Arts
Creative Industries
Future employment opportunities might be
Portfolio development for art school application
Foundation skills for practicing artists or illustrators
Preparation for further study in Fine Arts or Visual Arts
Otago Polytechnic is known for high quality, hands on learning that leads to strong outcomes. With excellent student satisfaction, high graduate employment rates, and a commitment to sustainability, it’s a place where practical skills meet purpose. Their award winning programmes span design, fashion, creative arts, trades, health, and business, giving you real experience and real confidence for whatever comes next.