City Sketching Reimagined with Jeanette Barnes

Over two days, Jeanette Barnes will guide you through the foundational principles of drawing the city, with plenty of 1-2-1 support. Students can expect a combination of practical studio-based exercises and some drawing on location in Brighton. All levels of experience are welcome and all materials for this session will be provided. If you'd like more details about the course, please get in touch on info@draw-brighton.co.uk.   

Jeanette Barnes is an acclaimed artist, author and 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 book co-author of City Sketching Reimagined, which is informing the title and content of this course and is available to buy from the Draw studio.  

What to expect 

Day One: After an introduction at the studio we will then head out to sketch the city for the day, gathering information on location 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. Jeanette won’t be teaching traditional perspective drawing - we will be concentrating on exercises relating to space, movement, atmosphere and structure.  

Day Two: We will be producing work under Jeanette's guidance from the studio on the second day, working through exercises which include imaginative, directive and compositional sketches. We’ll explore different methods of mark-making, working from films and photographs before starting on a larger finished drawing in charcoal.. We will also look at other artists work which relate to the city, including Jeanette’s own drawings. 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.  

There will be a lunch break halfway through each day - you are welcome to bring a packed lunch, or to pop to the nearby Sainsbury’s, or a café on London Road. If you have any questions email us at info@draw-brighton.co.uk  

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 Draw Patreon supporters. Become a Draw Patreon supporter by signing up to the Draw Patreon from just £3.60 per month. You’ll get the in-person concessionary rate, plus Patreons get tiered access to a wealth of resources including our extensive artist’s photo reference library, live online life drawing & portrait drawing classes, online recorded courses and much more. Whether you are a Patreon supporter or not, you can post your drawings on the Draw community Facebook group and tag  @draw_brighton and #drawbrighton on Instagram.   

Safety & accessibility  

If you have any accessibility needs, please do let us know beforehand on info@draw-brighton.co.uk and we will do everything we can to make sure you can enjoy the 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 must be sprayed outside the studio. 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 info@draw-brighton.co.uk to discuss the options for transferring your place to another attendee.