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Course intent

If you’ve already explored beginner classes or workshops such as drawing, watercolour, painting, or life drawing and want to learn more, then discover what interests you through changing weekly drawing and illustration projects. Explore the work of inspiring artists and illustrators while learning new techniques and ideas that you can use in your own work. Whether you’re looking to learn about illustration for the first time, or you want to refine your skills or discover new ways to say something visually or to tell a story, this course offers the perfect blend of structured learning and creative freedom.

What will I learn?

On this popular, creative and inspiring course you will explore drawing & illustration techniques. Through weekly projects and assignments you will learn :

• observational drawing skills
• drawing techniques
• to use different materials and tools
• how to use composition to create a stronger image
• how to use a range of media including pencil, pen, and watercolour
• how to use colour in your work
• how to to look at work from other artists and designers with a critical eye
• the difference between drawing to record and drawing for illustration

  Who is this course for? Is there anything I need to know before joining?

  This Stage 2 course is suitable for those who have done some drawing or painting before but might be new to illustration and for those who may have not done art since school or college, but who need a refresher and inspiration and different techniques to get motivated again in an affirming and friendly class.

  What do I need to bring to the first class? Will there be any extra costs?

  For the first class bring:

• Paper (preferably cartridge or drawing paper in a sketch book - A4 or larger not less than 140gsm if possible)
• If you are using loose sheets of paper, you will also need a small notebook or sketchbook to make notes in during class
• drawing pencils (an H pencil, HB pencil and a B pencil….can be 4H or 2B…up to you) and if you have one - a mechanical pencil
• a pencil sharpener
• a rubber/eraser
• a pen to take notes and to draw with

After the first class you will be using coloured media that you already have such as

• coloured pencils
• watercolour paint (with brushes, watercolour paper etc)
• drawing ink, brush and dip pen
• Drawing Pens of various nib sizes

Before buying any new materials always speak to your tutor first for advice on what and where to buy.

What can I do when I finish the course?

Progress onto Drawing & Illustration -Stage 2 courses throughout academic year 2025-26 or progress onto Drawing & Illustration - Stage 3 from Autumn 2026. You could also explore one media in greater technical detail during a workshop, for instance learners from this course have enjoyed taking other courses in printmaking, watercolour painting, mixed media and life drawing which have helped them develop further, others have joined creative writing classes to support their illustration.

Your tutor will be happy to guide you to another tutor that will suit your style of learning. You will also receive support in preparing your work for submission to other colleges, publishers or competitions if that is discussed as a goal at the start of the course. Please email sophie.artemis@surreycc.gov.uk for any questions about progression if you take either Leon or Sophie’s course.

Additional Information

We welcome learners with additional needs and disabilities. When you enrol, please let us know if you would like to discuss your extra support needs with a member of the Supported Learning Team who will then contact you as soon as possible. If you are enrolling within 10 days of the course start date, we may not be able to contact you before your first class.

How to enrol

You can't currently enrol online for this course, so please call 0300 200 1044 to express your interest or to make an enquiry for further information.

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