Structured, rigorous training in observational drawing designed to develop how you see, how you draw, and what you can achieve.

Foundations of Academic Drawing

A 12-week programme in systematic, observational drawing for adults who want to develop their drawing seriously and build strong representational skills.

Based at East St Arts in Leeds, the course takes a structured atelier-inspired approach to drawing, combining careful observation with progressive exercises designed to develop accuracy, proportion, form, value and confident mark-making.

What will we study?

The course introduces a systematic approach to drawing from observation, with students working through a progression of studies designed to develop both technical understanding and visual sensitivity.

We will explore:

• Proportion and measurement

• Accurate observation and visual analysis

• Line, shape and structure

• Form and three-dimensionality

• Light and value

• Edges and mark-making

• Bargue studies

• Facial features and the head

• Figure studies

• Still-life studies

The emphasis throughout is on learning to see, rather than simply learning to reproduce a particular image.

Who is the course for?

This course is intended for adults who are genuinely interested in developing their drawing skills through structured, sustained practice.

It is not a casual drop-in art class. The three-hour weekly sessions are designed for students who want to commit to developing their skills over a 12-week period.

The course can suit motivated beginners who are prepared to work systematically, as well as artists with some existing experience who want to strengthen their observational foundations.

The course

📍 East St Arts, Mabgate, Leeds LS9 7EH

📅 Tuesdays, 22 September – 8 December 2026

⏰ 6–9pm

🖊️ 12 weekly sessions · 3 hours each

Founding Cohort Rate

£165 per month

This special rate is available to students joining the inaugural Caroline Brooks Atelier cohort.

About Caroline Brooks Atelier

Caroline Brooks Atelier is a new Leeds-based art school offering structured training in observational drawing and representational painting.

The Atelier has been created around a simple principle: strong drawing and painting skills are developed through systematic study, careful observation and sustained practice.

The aim is to provide focused, progressive training for adults who want to take their artistic development seriously.

Ready to begin?

If you've been looking for a more structured approach to drawing — and want to move beyond occasional classes and develop genuine technical skill — I'd love to welcome you to the inaugural Caroline Brooks Atelier cohort.

Places are now open for booking.

Description supplied by the event organiser.