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Drawing at the Museum with Laura

Course code: P02816

Subject area: Art & Design

Study level: Part Time

Course level:

Course details

Course time:

10:00 - 12:30

Days of week:

Wednesday

Course date:

23rd Sept 2026 - 9th Dec 2026

Course location:

Ashmolean Museum

Contact details

Phone:

01235 555 585

If you are interested in developing your drawing skills in the historically rich and culturally vibrant collection at the Ashmolean Museum, this course offers an opportunity to explore the galleries as part of a creative and supportive group.
This museum-based drawing course at the Ashmolean is suitable for a wide range of abilities, whether you are just beginning, returning to drawing after a break, or looking to refine and extend your existing skills. Through engaging directly with the collection, you will enrich your historical and cultural understanding while developing practical skills in a range of drawing media, including pencil, coloured pencil and fine-liner pen. Working within a creative and supportive group will help you build confidence in drawing and deepen your understanding of key creative elements such as composition and colour, through a balance of independent practice and shared discussion of ideas and outcomes. With a strong focus on sketchbook drawing, the course will also offer a variety of additional learning opportunities to inspire and inform your work, such as curator-led talks and visits to the Print Room for drawing from original works on paper (these activities may vary throughout the term).

Gallery spaces and themes will vary each term with a calendar provided by your tutor per half term. Areas of drawing study can include but not limited to: Islamic and Middle East, Cast Gallery, Dutch and Flemish Still Life, Pissarro and the Impressionists.

Course units
Overview of Skills and Techniques:

Observational Drawing: Developing skills in observational drawing through various approaches. Engaging with the museum collection to enhance observational techniques.

Understanding Formal Elements: Exploring key elements of art such as colour, line, form, and shape. Gaining insight into composition and its impact on artwork.

Tone and Texture: Practicing the application of tone to create depth and dimension. Experimenting with mark-making to explore texture.

Creative Decision Making: Encouraging independence in artistic choices and personal style. Reflecting on and discussing creative processes within a supportive group.

Sketchbook Development: Focusing on sketchbook drawing as a means of exploration and idea development. Documenting progress and artistic growth throughout the course.

Cultural Understanding: Gaining insight into the cultural significance of artworks and their contexts. Understanding concepts conveyed through fine and contemporary art.

Collaborative Learning: Participating in group discussions and critiques to enhance learning. Engaging with museum curators and utilising resources for deeper understanding.

What next?
Please refer to our website for other courses.
Entry criteria
This course is suitable for a wide range of abilities, whether you are just beginning, returning to drawing after a break, or looking to refine and extend your existing skills.

Please note - you should be 19 years old or over at 31st August 2026 prior to starting the course.

Fee information
This course/workshop includes a material fee that provides essential resources and hands-on demonstrations, empowering you to achieve your learning goals and master new skills with confidence.

As part of your course we may organise trips to assist you with your learning. Trips are optional, and you will not be penalised if you choose not to participate.

There are bursaries available to help you with other course costs. Call 01235 216 212 for more information.

The rules on fee reduction are complicated and we would encourage you to talk to our Admissions staff on 01235 216 400 to discuss your options. You can find more information on our Fees and Bursaries page - search "Fees and Bursaries" at the top of the page.

Co-Funded Fee (19+)

£294.45

Reduced Fee (19+)

£157.23