City Sketching Reimagined with Jeanette Barnes

Jeanette Barnes is an acclaimed artist, author and experienced tutor who won first prize at the Trinity Buoy Wharf Drawing Prize in 2023.   Her work has been exhibited in the Discerning Eye, Jerwood Drawing Prize and other international exhibitions. Jeanette is the co-author of City Sketching Reimagined and we are very lucky to welcome her back to Draw to teach this incredible weekend course.   

Over two days, Jeanette will guide students through the foundations of drawing the city, with a small group size and plenty of 1-2-1 support. Students can expect a combination of practical studio-based exercises and some drawing on location in the city. All levels of experience are welcome. All materials for this session will be provided. If you'd like more details about the course, please get in touch on [email protected].  

Above Image: Battersea Tube Station & Developments by Jeanette Barnes (compressed charcoal 150 x212 cms) Winner of 1st Prize at The Trinity Buoy Wharf Drawing Prize 2023 

What to expect:  

Day One 

After an introduction at the studio in the morning, we will then head out to sketch the city for the day. We'll be gathering information on location in Brighton to make larger urban drawings back at the studio the next day. Our drawing locations will be nearby to the studio but will require some walking, so please ensure that you wear comfortable shoes! Jeanette will be on hand throughout the day to provide guidance and feedback. Although Jeanette won’t be teaching traditional perspective drawing, we will be concentrating on exercises relating to space, movement, atmosphere and structure. There will be a lunch break halfway through the day - you are welcome to bring a packed lunch, or to pop to the nearby Sainsbury’s, or a café on London road.  

Day Two 

We will be producing work under Jeanette's guidance from the studio on the second day. We will be working on exercises which include imaginative, directive and compositional sketches, including mark-making, work from films and or photographs before starting on their final works. We will also look at other artists work which relate to the city, including Jeanette’s own work. Jeanette will be on hand throughout the day to encourage students to find their own ways of drawing the urban experience, as well as demonstrating use of materials and compositional methods. We will be working towards larger finished drawings made using charcoal. There will be a lunch break halfway through the day - you are welcome to bring a packed lunch, or to pop to the nearby Sainsbury’s, or a café on London road. 

Places are limited to 12 students and pre-booking is essential.   If you have any questions email us at [email protected]  The workshop runs from Saturday 17th & Sunday 18th August 2024, with a 1-hour lunch break - you are welcome to bring a packed lunch, or to pop to the nearby Sainsbury’s, or a café on London Road.  

What you need to bring  

All materials are included but you are also welcome to bring a sketchbook and your favourite drawing materials.  Easels, padded & backed chairs, drawing boards and small tables are provided for all students and materials are included in the cost of the course.  

Getting to the studio 

You’re welcome to arrive from 9.45am on the Saturday.  Approach New England House from the New England Street side of the building and walk up to the locked blue double doors next to the sign for the ‘Building Manager’s Office’. Wait to be let in or call the number on the door for entry - the studio is on level 5, Unit 1 South, just knock and walk in. There is parking at London Road car park, Elder Place & Trafalgar St car parks; Brighton station is a 5-minute walk from the studio. 

Discounts  

The discounted rate is available for anybody on low income, students or Patreon supporters. Sign up to the Draw Patreon from just £3.60 per month to get access to the discount, online life drawing course, live online classes and personal feedback from our tutors. Whether you are a Patreon supporter or not, you can post your drawings on the Draw community Facebook group HERE  and you are welcome to tag us with @draw_brighton and #drawbrighton on Instagram.   

Safety & accessibility 

For the wellbeing of everybody at the class please don’t come to the class if you are ill with contagious symptoms.  If you have any accessibility needs, please do let us know beforehand and we will do everything we can to make sure you can enjoy the life classes here. The building has a wheelchair ramp at the North side of the New England Street entrance and lifts up to level 5 with gender-neutral toilets & accessible toilets on floors 4 & 6 accessed by lift. Fixative spraying is not allowed in the studio and is done outside; our air purifier and good ventilation help control fumes.  

We keep the studio a safe environment by providing: 

• Monitored ventilation (aiming for <900ppm CO2) 
• Air purification with HEPA filters 
• Sick pay for our freelance life models 
• If you have covid, flu or bad cold symptoms we ask you not to attend - you will receive a refund as well as our appreciation! 

Cancellations 

Bookings are non-refundable. If you are unwell with a contagious illness you may not attend the class - you can request a refund here on Eventbrite and we can issue a full refund, minus Eventbrite's fees. If you are unable to attend, please do get in touch with us on [email protected] to discuss the options for giving up your place in exchange for credit at other Draw Brighton courses, or transferring your place to another attendee. 

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Draw Brighton, Studio 1 South Level 5, New England House, Brighton and Hove, United Kingdom