Figurative Drawing & Painting with Alvin Kofi

We are delighted to welcome artist and educator Alvin Kofi to the Draw studios for this exciting weekend workshop. Over two days, Alvin Kofi will examine fundamental patterns of how the human form has been expressed by different African cultures, learning about the role that abstraction and realism plays in the expression of African wood carvings/sculptures. Acquainting ourselves with these distinct aesthetic qualities and allowing what we find to guide our investigations will help to provoke different ways of representing the human figure.

What to Expect

Day 1 (Drawing): We will draw from a selection of African carved figures. First working from this selection to record what we see, and then working from a model to see how our observation of the carving influences our approach to drawing the figure.

Day 2 (Painting in Oils): Working in oil paint we will focus on painting to explore the realms of abstraction and realism. This will be done by working with your chosen carving to paint the live model and letting it guide the narrative of your painting.

This workshop is suitable for all levels, with plenty of one to one guidance with Alvin Kofi throughout the weekend. Second-generation West Indian, based in the UK, Kofi’s work examines themes through an African-centred viewpoint. A multi-disciplinary artist recognised as a major contributor to the Black visual arts in the UK Kofi’s projects & accolades include: The World Reimagined, Portrait Artist of the Year, Royal Mail commemorative stamp, Ruth Borchard Self Portrait Prize and the Hospital Rooms charity.

What to Bring

All materials will be provided, including oil paint, solvent, paper, canvas, palettes and palette knives. Easels, padded & backed chairs, drawing boards and small tables are provided for all students. You will need to bring:

• Brushes suitable for oil painting
• Apron & clothes suitable for painting
• Rags & kitchen roll

Getting to the studio

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.

The studio itself has diffuse overhead panel lights for drawers with a spotlight directed at the model. Fixative spraying is not allowed in the studio and is done outside; oil paints will be used at this session and we will be using odourless solvent (no turps) throughout the course. 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 info@draw-brighton.co.uk to discuss the options for transferring your place to another attendee.