Life Drawing at Jazzbourne

On Thursdays at Jazzbourne try your hand at figure drawing with a nude model, listen to some relaxing jazz and sip a drink from our ethical bar menu. There is a different model every week. It’s a fun & relaxing evening for all levels.

Bringing together the magic of the life room and the ambience of a jazz club. With theatrical lighting and thoughtful setups, come and draw some of London’s finest models.

This is an untutored session ideal for beginners through to experienced artists, all are welcome. All essential drawing materials are provided, or you're welcome to bring your own. This session is run by artists with a passion for life drawing and creative expression.

Book your place online (or walk-ins are very welcome if we're not full). Please note we are a cashless venue, so card and contactless payments only please.

Doors open at 6.30pm. Drawing begins at 7.30pm sharp. Everyone is invited to stay on after the session to meet fellow artists, share your work (if you feel like it), enjoy a drink at the bar and chat! It's a great way to meet people and a lovely, friendly atmosphere.

When? Thursdays. Doors open at 6.30pm, drawing 7.30pm-9.30pm. Come early to grab your favourite table and get a drink before drawing begins. There is time to socialise, have a drink from the bar and meet your fellow artists after the session.

Where? Jazzbourne, 443 New Cross Road, London SE14 6TA

How much? £15 for a drop-in. (Regulars can book a package of multiple sessions for a discount, ask about this at reception).

Can I walk in? Yes. Pre-booking is encouraged but not essential. Walk-ins are very welcome if we're not full. If paying at the door, card/contactless payments only please, we do not accept cash.

What is life drawing?

Life drawing, also sometimes known as figure drawing, is drawing the human form from life – meaning with a live model. In a life drawing session, there will be a model (generally nude) surrounded by artists. The model will pose in different positions and for different durations – some for just a few minutes (for quick sketches) and some for much longer. The style of the drawing is completely up to each artist, and everyone in the room might have different levels of experience. Some popular mediums used during life drawing are graphite pencils, charcoal or pastels. For beginners, life drawing is a fun creative outlet and a way to start learning to draw the human form. It’s also very relaxing, with a calm atmosphere and a focused activity that will take your mind away from your daily cares! For artists, regular life drawing is an important part of their creative practice, to develop and explore their personal style, and practice fundamental skills like observation, mark-making, form, proportion, perspective, light and shadow.

I have zero art experience, is this for me?

Absolutely, all are welcome and there are always first-timers in the room! This is an ideal evening to introduce you to the pleasures of life drawing. Enjoy a drink and the jazzy soundtrack while you try your hand at figure drawing with a life model in a relaxed & friendly atmosphere. We can provide you with basic drawing materials, so you don’t need to bring anything. We promise a supportive space to explore your creativity.

I’m an experienced artist, is this for me?

Also yes! Our evening is run by professional artists and life models, who know exactly what is needed for the best life drawing experience. Expect experienced professional models, raised platforms, short and long poses, interesting lighting and a glamorous setting. We hire a diverse rotation of models, pay our models a fair wage and treat them with respect.

What kind of models do you have?

There is a different model each week, drawing from our pool of experienced, professional life models. We are proud to present a diverse lineup of models, giving you the opportunity to draw the human form in all its glorious variety. This includes men, women, trans and non-binary models, models from different ethnic and racial backgrounds, models of all (adult) ages, body types, abilities, backgrounds, styles and aesthetics. We do not always advertise the model of the week, as sometimes our model bookings change at the last minute.

There’s a naked person, is it awkward?

Not at all, we promise. If you’ve never tried Life Drawing before, it’s common to worry that it will feel uncomfortable to sit in a room with a nude stranger. But 5 minutes into your first session, you’ll realise this is a non-problem. We promise the atmosphere is not at all awkward – it’s chilled out and friendly. Your host, the artist Nick that runs the evening, will explain how it all works and guide you through the session. Don’t worry, it’s not a quiet room – there’s some lovely calm jazz playing at all times, there might be a bit of chat and a few laughs. Remember, Life Drawing is a centuries-old established art tradition. It’s a part of formal art education in academic institutions and it’s a vital part of many artists’ practice. Put simply, for artists, life drawing with a nude model is totally normal. And of course, the nude individual in question is an experienced, professional life model. They love what they do, take it seriously and love being a part of artists’ creative expression. Our attendees tell us after the session they feel relaxed and focused, that they quickly forget about everyone else in the room while they are drawing and that the time just flies by.

Who runs this session?

This evening is organised by professional artist Nick Cuthell (nickcuthell.com). A brief bio: “Nick Cuthell is a New Zealand artist living and working in the UK. He trained at the Charles Cecil studios in Florence and the Art Students League of New York. Nick has a well developed portrait practice and has painted many notable sitters including Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Nick has taught artists of all levels in the UK and New Zealand, with a particular focus on portraiture, still life, the figure, and landscape painting, he hopes to share his great love for drawing and painting in all his work.

What is the Cancellation Policy?

All bookings are non-refundable.If you cancel your booking more than 48 hours before the class or event, we can give you a credit to use for a future booking. Or if you wish to pass your booking or credit on to another person, that is fine with us. No-shows and cancellations with less than 48 hours notice will not be refunded and no credit given. This is because our events have limited capacity and we will probably have turned away other people for the place you booked. Thank you for understanding. If you can’t make it to your booking, please cancel with us as soon as possible, so we can offer your place to someone else.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Jazzbourne, 443 New Cross Road, London, United Kingdom