This 8-week 'Introduction to Drawing' course is designed for adult learners of all skill levels, particularly beginners looking to develop fundamental drawing techniques. The course provides a supportive and engaging environment for students to explore their creativity while learning essential drawing principles, including line, shape, shading, texture, and composition. This course caters to a diverse student body, including seniors, community members, and individuals from various backgrounds who wish to develop their artistic skills in a welcoming and inclusive setting.
Course Objectives:
By the end of the course, students will:
• Gain confidence in drawing through structured exercises and creative exploration.
• Understand and apply fundamental drawing principles such as line, shape, shading, and perspective.
• Develop observational skills to accurately represent objects and botanical elements.
• Experiment with different drawing techniques and materials.
• Create a portfolio of completed drawings showcasing their progress.
Materials Required:
Students are encouraged to bring the following materials:
• Sketchbook (A4 or A3)
• Pencils (HB, 2B, 4B, 6B)
• Eraser and sharpener
• Ruler
• Black fine liner pen
• Optional: Charcoal, blending stumps, coloured pencils
Weekly Lesson Plan:
Week 1: Introduction to Drawing & Basic Line Work
• Overview of the course structure and materials
• Warm-up exercises: freehand lines, curves, and shapes
• Exploring different types of lines and their expressive qualities
• Simple object sketching using contour lines
Week 2: Shapes, Forms & Proportions
• Understanding basic geometric shapes as the foundation of drawing
• Breaking down complex objects into simple shapes
• Exercises in proportion and symmetry
Week 3: Light, Shadows & Shading Techniques
• Understanding light sources and how they affect shadows
• Introduction to shading techniques: hatching, cross-hatching, and blending
• Drawing simple objects with accurate light and shadow
Week 4: Perspective & Depth in Drawing
• Introduction to one-point and two-point perspective
• Creating depth using overlapping, scale, and value
• Drawing simple landscapes or indoor scenes using perspective
Introduction to Drawing
Week 5: Botanical Illustration - Flowers & Leaves
• Observational drawing of various flower species
• Understanding petal shapes, symmetry, and leaf structures
• Techniques for adding depth and texture
Week 6: Botanical Illustration - Fruits & Plants
• Drawing fruits, succulents, and other plant life
• Incorporating shading and detail for realism
• Composition techniques for balanced botanical art
Week 7: Still Life Drawing
• Arranging and sketching a still-life composition
• Combining line, shading, and texture techniques learned so far
• Developing a balanced composition
Week 8: Final Project & Review
• Students create a final piece incorporating learned techniques
• Peer review and feedback session
• Discussion on next steps for further artistic development
Teaching Methodology:
• Demonstrations: Step-by-step instruction on techniques.
• Hands-on Practice: Guided exercises and individual projects.
• Feedback & Discussion: Encouraging peer support and instructor feedback.
• Final Showcase: Students will create a finished piece reflecting their progress.
About your tutor:
Aileen Sanjoto is a practicing artist, interior designer, and experienced educator with over seven years of teaching and program development experience. Specialising in both design and art, Aileen has a strong ability to simplify complex concepts and create engaging, accessible learning experiences for students of all levels.
With a Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Design, Aileen brings a well-rounded approach to teaching, drawing from her background in both creative practice and design. As a versatile artist, she creates watercolour illustrations and original artwork in various styles, reflecting her passion for creativity and her ability to connect with both adult and younger audiences.
Dedicated to fostering creativity in a relaxed, supportive environment, Aileen is committed to helping students build confidence in their artistic skills.
