Are you an artistic soul and are looking for creative ways to express yourself? Drawing might be a great way for you to start doing more than doodles while you have a phone call. Here we will guide you on where you can start drawing lessons and what are the costs related to different materials.
A little history of drawing
Drawing is one of the oldest forms of visual art and expression, it started with cave or rock paintings around 30, 000 years ago. Since the Neolithic times, it has evolved, with the creation of new supports and materials. When papyrus was introduced by the Ancient Greeks, and Egyptians and later when the paper was formerly invented by Cai Lun in China in 105 CE.
These inventions were used for manuscripts and their illustrations. Drawings played an important role in science, to illustrate different phenomena.
Following the widespread of paper in the 14th century, the use of drawing increased in the art and self-expression of one's creativity. Drawing was the way artists would prepare their final piece of art. During the Renaissance, more drawing techniques were developed and became more sophisticated.
Nowadays, in addition to the artistic forms, drawing is used in commercial illustration, animation for movies, architecture, engineering and more technical drawings.
Where can I take drawing lessons?
Depending on what you want to draw, it might need a certain level of technique. If you want to draw and attain a professional level for an industry like engineering or architecture but can't do a full art course or degree, you can find other options.
If you are wondering where to take drawing lessons to improve your sketches, the most common options are private lessons or drawing clubs. But if you want to master the art of self-expression through your drawing an art college, university or a specialized studio, might suit you more. Everything will depend on how dedicated you are, how far you want to take your drawing passion and what adapts to your budget.
Art college or school
This option is the most expensive and also requires your full-time commitment, in order to master drawing and all the techniques related to it and the arts. For example, an undergraduate year at the National College of Art and Design in Dublin can cost up to €7,574 a year. Without including all the other expenses of living and drawing materials that you might need.
Unless you are very serious about your drawing career and know that you want to pursue this at a professional level to expose your talent in the most competitive sphere, this is an excellent option.
Studios
If you are looking for something that gives you more free time but allows you to ameliorate your drawing at a competitive level at a faster pace, you can consider a drawing or art studio. An example of this learning structure is the Drawing School in Dublin, which offers a 24 weeks course with three full days per week at €3980. This is more affordable for some persons but still a financial commitment for many. This option is also more suited if you are already good at drawing, and you just require a course that is more challenging.
Tutors online or on location
This is a great option for any level, but even better if you are a beginner and really need help acquiring and improving your technique. Tutors will personalize their lessons for your needs and your rhythm, you might also learn much faster than in a group course. There are also many drawing styles, and you can decide with your tutor to only focus on the one that interests you and that you want to bring to perfection.
Another very convenient aspect is that you can decide whether you feel more comfortable taking your lessons online or on location. In addition, you get to choose who your tutor will be, maybe you are looking for someone that has a certain experience, or a specific degree or that simply has a way of teaching that accommodates your learning style.
You will also find broader price options depending on your tutor's experience, qualifications and more. Some can start at €8 per hour and up to €30. The average of a drawing class is around €17 per hour, considering that some of them offer a free class trial which helps you find your best fit. Some tutors also offer packages of several classes with a discount price, which makes it very appealing if you are considering your drawing lessons in the longer term.
Drawing clubs or groups
If your budget is very tight, but you still want to improve a little, you can always consider a drawing club or group. Usually, they meet once a week or once a month, depending on the club. During this gathering, there is a live model or a still model, and you have a few hours to draw the model.
This is mostly a social gathering that has a lower cost to cover the materials, the model, and varies depending on the club. It is useful mostly if you already have a bit of technique. Because it is not a teaching space, it does not have a structure and might be frustrating if you need more help to improve your skills.
It can be a great place to practice, find your tutor or make new friends that share your passion for drawing.
What do I need to start drawing lessons?
You are probably wondering if, in addition to the price of the lesson, will you need to cover any other materials for your lessons? It is best to be well-prepared for your class, and oftentimes your tutors or teachers will tell you what you need to get started.
Curiosity
Being curious will be your best asset to start your drawing lessons, this will keep you motivated. Remember that drawing is a form of self-expression, and being curious about yourself is also important in order to find inspiration and draw as much as possible.
Materials
There are a few essentials to start drawing, among them the medium with which you will draw dry or wet and support such as paper or other supports.
Pencils or brushes
Depending on if you prefer to draw with dry mediums such as pencils, charcoal, or colour pencils; or if you rather draw with a wet medium such as paint, watercolours. Prices will vary on the quality of each pencil or brush, and you will mostly need to dedicate a budget to have a set of several of each medium to practice all your techniques.
A very simple set of metal pencils can cost around €6.75, but if you want a fully equipped box with colours it can go up to €40.
Brushes are similar to pencils in the fact that you will find numerous formats and qualities, some are for watercolours, others for acrylic painting or oil. You can find beginner brush sets between€9.89 and €15.99.
Paper or other supports
Paper will go in accordance with the medium you have chosen, it is not the same quality of paper to draw in watercolour as with a pencil. That's why it is best to decide which technique you want to learn first and little by little acquire your materials to avoid spending too much at once.
Sketching paper for dry materials with 50 × 65 cm format and 224gsm quality with 50 sheets costs around €1.65. While watercolour paper in A6 Postcards format, quality of 300gsm and 15 sheets, costs around €7.99
Other materials
If you have a good budget and would love to try many things at once, you could consider a graphics drawing tablet. This is also a good option if you already have an intermediate level and need to travel a lot or also want to showcase your drawings on digital media. These kinds of tablets exist in different sizes and brands, but their price starts at around €225
Benefits of drawing
Regardless of your level and ambition, drawing has several benefits, from creativity to freedom, and will definitely bring joy to your everyday life, no matter if it is a hobby or becomes a profession.
Drawing helps you to put your thoughts in order. It can make you think in different ways.David Hockney
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