Adult Summer Workshop

Paint and Pencil - An Introduction to Drawing and Painting

  • Cost

    £210

  • Tutor

    Lexi Strauss

  • Duration

    4 Days

  • Dates

    29th July - 1st August

Introduction to Painting short course student work hca

A relaxed, hands-on course for beginners to explore the basic techniques of drawing and painting, build confidence, and discover their own creative style.

Overview


This dynamic 4-day course is designed to boost your confidence in both drawing and painting while helping you build a unique body of work. Each day focuses on a different technique — from line, tone, and mark-making to colour theory, perspective, and composition. You’ll experiment with a variety of materials including pencil, charcoal, acrylic, and water-based oils, exploring everything from life drawing and still life to abstract and expressive approaches. Through guided exercises and playful experiments, you’ll develop your creative skills in a relaxed, supportive environment — ideal for beginners or those looking to refresh their artistic practice. Basic materials are provided, with advice on optional extras as your projects evolve.

A girl with blonde hair crouching down and painting a large piece of paper on the floor. She is focussed and her arm is outstretched holding the paintbrush. She is painting with blue paint and wearing a bright red t-shirt, showing a butterfly tattoo on her arm.
A loose sketchy pencil drawing of a man holding a cigarette.
A woman with long dark brown hair standing at an easel. Her arm is outstretched and she is looking off-camera towards her subject.
Introduction to Painting short course student work hca
Photo of Lexi Strauss painting a colourful painting. She is wearing a neon pink beret and is smiling at the camera.

About the Tutor

Lexi, an MA Painting graduate from the Royal College of Art (2014) and Fine Art graduate from Hereford College of Arts (2011), is a painter and performer known for her unique paintings, theatrical installations and art clown performances. Her work bridges art, theatre, and comedy, often exploring themes of humour and trauma—a focus recently supported by Arts Council England funding.

See more of Lexi's work

FAQs

All materials will be provided including inks, paints, paper, pencils and sketchbooks. You will also have the opportunity to buy your own materials in our on-campus shop if you want to. 

Make sure to bring some water, and wear clothes that you can get messy. 

Feeling inspired?

Spaces are limited. Book your place today!

A wide shot of the Folly Lane Print workshop. Various students are working at different workstations throughout the workshop. The room is filled with old fashioned printing presses, ink stations and is flooded with natural light from big windows.

Industry standard workshops and studios

This is where you make your ideas happen. Find out more about the professional kit and spaces we provide at HCA.

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