About this Event
Kick off the festive season with a burst of vibrant colour, fluid rhythm, and expressive form! Join guest host Tijen for our final Firepit session before the Christmas break as we dive into the joyful world of Henri Matisse.
Henri Matisse: Joyful Language of Colour & Curve (Pre-Xmas Special Lifedrawing!)
Matisse believed that art should be a source of balance, purity, and uplifting energy. Known for his revolutionary approach to figure drawing, sweeping curves, and bold use of colour, his work invites us to step away from strict realism and embrace pure visual delight.
In this relaxed, end-of-year gathering, we’ll draw inspiration from Matisse’s iconic aesthetics. Expect a session focused on:
- Sweeping Lines & Gesture: Capturing the energy, weight, and movement of the live model through simplified, confident contours.
- Expressive Colour, Shape & Mixed Media: You are free to work with your favourite traditional tools—whether charcoal, pastels, or markers—or step outside your usual routine. We invite you to experiment with paper shapes, create fluid figurative drawings using cut coloured paper, or seamlessly blend paper cut-outs with drawing mediums into vibrant mixed-media collages. It’s all about translating how we notice the human body—its line, rhythm, and presence—and you’ll be amazed at what emerges when you look and create through a fresh lens.
- Festive Gathering: A warm, social atmosphere at Firepit Art Gallery to draw, connect, and unwind before the holidays.
Early Masterworks welcomes anyone who wants to try life drawing in a fun, welcoming environment. This session is untutored and accessible to all skill levels.
Art References for This Gathering
Explore visual inspiration before you arrive:
- Art Ref for this session: https://uk.pinterest.com/tijen_olcay/henri-matisse-joyful-language-of-colour-curve/
- Life Drawing Ref: https://uk.pinterest.com/earlymasterworkslifeDrawing/life-drawing/
- Past Event Photos: https://uk.pinterest.com/earlymasterworkslifeDrawing/life-drawing-london-earlymasterworkscom/
Model:
About the Guest Host:
Tijen’s life drawing journey began at a community art centre in Oakland while completing her Master’s in Languages and Literature at UC Berkeley. Her path then led to a PhD in Communication & Media Sciences at a German university, during which she moved to Paris, where she lived for many years and published two academic books. Now based in London, she works as a Marketing Executive, bringing together her background in communication, narrative, and visual storytelling. A regular participant in weekly life drawing sessions, Tijen joins Early Masterworks to host a festive celebration of colours, curves, lines, and creative play.
About :
This creative experience is brought to you by the Early Masterworks (EM) Creative Club. We're best known for our themed, untutored life drawing gatherings in some of London's most one-of-a-kind venues. You may also know us from the creative experiences we've created with the National Gallery, Somerset House, London Design Festival, Open House Festival London, SOHO HOUSE, Urbanism/Architecture Bi-City Biennale (UABB), The European Biennial of Contemporary Art, Drawing Room, Firepit Art Gallery, Studio Wayne McGregor, London Latvian Centre, Arcus Sounds and more.
We create a warm, welcoming space for people of every background, age and skill level to meet, drink, draw and create. We don't teach drawing techniques — instead, we curate inspiring themes and prompts to lead particiants through a creative journey, and invite participants to share. We believe art connects people, and that sharing sparks creativity.
- Can't make it to this event? Be sure to subscribe to our newsletter for future reminders and Art Ref. ==> https://subscribepage.io/EarlyMasterworks
- Our popular life drawing gatherings have different themes every week. View calendar here ==> https://linktr.ee/earlymasterworks
- Follow us: https://www.instagram.com/earlymasterworkslondon
- Join Whatsapp Group for London Creatives (You need to email/DM your Whatsapp no to be added manually)
About Firepit Art Gallery:
Come draw with us in your favourite spacious, modern Firepit art gallery, conveniently located in South East London and easily accessible by tube, bus, river boat, cable car, and more.
Location:
Firepit Art Gallery and Studios CIC10 Cutter Lane No.2 Greenwich Peninsula London SE10 0XX
Ticket:
We are really glad you found us- and its fine for you to buy tickets here- however- if you want to skip processing fee and enjoy bulk tickets discount - In future it would be much better for us if you were to consider buying tickets directly from us via our website EarlyMasterworks.com!
- EM} Super Pass bulk tickets discount(Save up to 70%)
- £8 (Concession, Limited Number - we trust you to buy your tickets accordingly so please be honest about your situation-we appreciate it.),
- £15 (Ticket with all Art Supplies),
- £20 (Ticket with 1 Free Drink and all Art Supplies).
- We have alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.
- We do not have a dinner menu.
- Eventbrite Ticket fees are on top of this price - Sorry :(
- Concession tickets are only for
==> Seniors Aged 60 or over;
==> Full-time students;
==> Asylum seekers;
==> People receiving:
====> Jobseeker's allowance/Universal Credit;
====> Income support;
====> Housing Benefit;
====> Care allowance;
====> Council tax benefit;
====> Working tax credit;
====> Employment support allowance;
====> Incapacity benefit;
====> Disability living/working allowance;
====> War disablement pension;
==> Anyone holding a valid:
====> Disabled persons railcard;
====> Young Scot Card age 16-18;
====> National Entitlement Card (for disabled people);
*Proof of eligibility will be required on entry to the events.
Rundown:
Doors open: 6.45pm
Life drawing: 7 to 8:30pm (mix of short and long poses, with short break)
Door close: 9pm
House Rules:
- NO REFUNDS - Due to the amount of time and effort invested in event planning, we are unable to give refunds for this event.
- Book ASAP - Please book online for you and your friends in advance so we know how to arrange the seats.
- Some basic drawing materials and paper will be available for free but if you wish to bring your own sketchbooks and materials please do! Drawing boards, small tables and cosy sofa seats are all provided on a first come-first served basis.
- Discrimination and bullying in any form will not be tolerated at our events.
- The full price ticket includes one drink (a small glass of wine or a bottle of beer); more beverages and snacks can be purchased at the in-house bar, which we highly recommend you try!
- This is a 18+ event. We operate a challenge 25 policy at the bar, so please bring ID with you.
- Photography and Filming take place during workshops and gallery opening times. Please let us know if you do not want to be on film. All material captured is used for either our social media or future promotion.
Can't make it to this event? Be sure to subscribe to our newsletter for future reminders and Art Ref. ==>
Join Whatsapp Group for London Creatives (You need to email/DM your Whatsapp no to be added manually)
Event venue & nearby stays
Firepit Art Gallery and Studios CIC, 10 Cutter Lane, London, United Kingdom
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