Life Drawing

In this course you will work directly from the nude figure to explore and develop observational skills and perceptual awareness, and understand the balance between observed figuration and abstract formal qualities.

All fundamental drawing elements are considered, including compositional issues of the human form, space and structure. Special attention will be given to dynamic and gestural expression of the figure.

Noel Thurgate will be mindful of each student’s abilities and understanding of drawing, allowing for a personal growth path to emerge with greater understanding and awareness of both formal and expressive qualities.

* NAS Short Courses are open to students of ages 16 years and over. The NAS Art Club is open to students from ages 15 years and over. 

*Drawing and painting short courses may be held in upstairs studios. If access to stairs is not suitable, please contact us at short.courses@nas.edu.au 

* What to bring? Please refer to the list of required materials in the Art Materials field below. 

Noel Thurgate is an artist with over 30 years’ experience in teaching drawing, including nine years as Head of Drawing at the National Art School. His work draws inspiration from the figure and the landscape, and his outdoor and studio drawings explore and develop the underlying abstract qualities found in nature. Noel has exhibited since 1975 in shows ranging from the Young Contemporaries, the Archibald Prize and the Kedumba Drawing Award to numerous solo exhibitions, and his work is held in state, regional and institutional collections.

Students must supply their own art materials, please refer to the list below.

• Willow charcoal (various sizes), compressed charcoal and a range of lead pencils (2B–6B)
• Hard eraser
• 2 bulldog clips
• Masking tape
• Block of cartridge paper – A1 size
• Enclosed footwear is essential in all studios on campus.

Other papers will be purchased throughout the course, available from Parker's Art Supplies on campus.