A Full Day of Dynamic Expressive Life Drawing

1-Day Expressive Life Drawing Workshop

Date: Saturday, 18th October 2025
Time: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Location: Hanke Studio, North Sydney
Model: Draw and paint with the inspiring Alicia as our model for the day
Model fees, tuition, and morning tea included

Let loose, have fun, and unlock your creativity in a single dynamic day of drawing and painting!

Following the success of my 3-day portrait and life drawing workshops, I'm thrilled to offer this special 1-day intensive, designed to get you inspired, loosen you up, and push your art further, whether you're returning for more or joining me for the first time.

This is a chance to break free from perfection, experiment boldly, and develop confidence in your expressive mark-making, all in a fun and supportive environment.

What to Expect

Our day together will be energetic and playful, beginning with warm-up exercises to help you connect with the figure through quick, gestural drawing. I’ll guide you through a range of expressive techniques using charcoal and ink, with demonstrations and helpful tips, especially for drawing trickier areas like faces, hands, and feet.

We’ll build towards creating larger, finished works that incorporate dynamic composition, mood, and even a touch of abstraction. You’ll be encouraged to push your creative boundaries and try new things.

You can expect:

• Fast-paced sketching to start

• Mixed media experimentation

• Guidance on proportion and figure structure

• A longer pose for large-scale finished artwork

• Exploration of composition, movement, and expression

• Individual feedback throughout the day

• A relaxed group critique to celebrate everyone’s progress

Whether you walk away with one bold statement piece or two expressive artworks, you’ll leave feeling energised and creatively recharged.

What You’ll Need

Paper:

• 6 sheets of A1 cartridge paper (available to purchase on the day for $1 per sheet — please bring cash)

• 1–2 sheets of full-size (300gsm) mixed media or watercolour paper (bring 2 if you work quickly)

• Optional: A large primed canvas if you prefer painting

Drawing Materials:

• Willow and compressed charcoal

• Eraser

• A handful of coloured pencils

• Ink (1 bright colour + black) — Art Spectrum small bottles or similar recommended

• Acrylic paints — bring your favourites or start with a Matisse Intro Set

• A selection of brushes (including one large soft one)

Essentials:

• Apron

• Disposable gloves

• Fixative spray

• Bulldog clips (to attach paper to artboard)

• Paper towels

• Portable or disposable palette

Feel free to bring anything else you enjoy working with — this is a chance to explore and play!

Workshop Details

Venue: Hanke Studio, North Sydney

Please note: The studio has stairs and is not wheelchair accessible. If you need assistance getting materials upstairs, please reach out — I’m happy to help.

Time: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Facilities include:

• Free onsite parking

• Air conditioning & heating

• Kitchen for lunch storage

• Shops nearby for convenience

Ready to Join? Book Now!

Spots are limited to 10 participants so everyone gets a great view of the model. These workshops tend to fill quickly — reserve your place early to avoid missing out.

💬 What Others Are Saying…

"To cross paths with Jody Graham is fortuitous. Jody ignites a passion in her students that burns with a brilliance that makes you believe anything is creatively possible. Her wit is addictive, her mentorship exciting, her artistry brave and captivating, and her friendship truly cherished."
— Carolyn Le Cappelaine Taylor
Visual Artist and Filmmaker, MA Fine Arts, UNSW Art & Design – 2025

"I have attended many of Jody’s workshops. I can’t get enough! She is full of inspiration, generous with her knowledge and expertise, and helps you find artistic bones inside of yourself you didn’t know were there. If you want to enjoy creating art and explore exciting new ways to express yourself, you really should go to one of Jody’s workshops."
— Jackie Searson, 2025

Image: Alicia our life drawing model

⚠️ Disclaimer

By booking this workshop, you agree to take full responsibility for your safety during travel and participation as well as for your belongings.