This eight-week beginner-friendly course is designed to build foundational skills in both drawing and painting, guided by experienced artist and educator Arafat Hosen. The first four weeks will focus on drawing techniques using pencil and charcoal, helping students develop hand-eye coordination through observational drawing from still life setups. Concepts such as space, proportion, dimension, and light source will be introduced to build depth and realism. In the following four weeks, students will explore acrylic and Chinese ink painting, gradually learning to apply color blending, layering, surface preparation, and a variety of brush effects. Experimentation with mixed media will allow for personal expression while reinforcing technical understanding. Ideal for beginners or those returning to art, this hands-on course includes all materials for an additional $40, or students may bring their own supplies.
- Introduction to observational drawing using pencil and charcoal
- Exploring space, light, dimension, and form through still life
- Techniques in surface preparation and composition planning
- Acrylic painting fundamentals: blending, layering, brush handling
- Experimental techniques using Chinese ink and mixed media
By the end of this course, student should be able to:
- Develop accurate observational drawing skills
- Understand and apply spatial awareness and tonal values
- Gain control over charcoal and pencil techniques
- Learn foundational painting skills using acrylics and ink
- Create complete artworks combining mixed media techniques
- Pencils: 2B and 4B
- Charcoal: Soft/vine charcoal sticks
- A3 size sketchbook or drawing pad
- Japanese ink (basic color)
- Acrylic paint (basic colours including black & white, small tubes)
- Brushes, palette, and rag/cloth
The following materials will be provided during the class sessions for an additional $45 (not included in the course cost):
- Acrylic brush (two sizes)
- A3 Drawing sketchbook
- Japanese ink (basic colour)
- Acrylic power colour set (basic colours) including Titanium White
- One charcoal stick
- 4B pencil
- One eraser
IMPORTANT: Please arrive to the first class with all the relevant materials. A lack of materials is not just a handicap to you but to the ability to teach. Materials cost is not included in a course fee. In the event of a course being cancelled WEA cannot be held responsible for the purchase of any course materials. We therefore suggest you purchase your materials closer to the time of the course commencing.
The following stockists below are examples of places you can buy art materials from:
- Art on King: 199-201 King Street, Newtown. Ph: 9516 2342
- Eckersley's Art and Craft Store: 93 York Street, Sydney. Ph: 9299 4151. Also located in various locations throughout Greater Sydney.
- Parkers Art Supplies: 3 Cambridge Street, The Rocks. Ph: 9247 9979
- The Art Scene: 914 Victoria Road, West Ryde. Ph: 9807 6900
- The Sydney Art Store: 11 Salisbury Street, Botany. Ph: 9699 2162
You can also purchase materials from places such as Dymocks, Officeworks, Spotlight, Lincraft or online art suppliers such as Art Shed Online.
