Students from Wiltshire College and University Centre’s Salisbury campus spent a week at Sarum Studio in Salisbury, developing their observational drawing skills in a professional setting.
The intensive programme focused on traditional life drawing methods, giving students the chance to work from a live model while refining their technical abilities.
Alice Wickes, 16, from Somerset, said: “It was a great way for us to learn about drawing using the sight-size technique, where the canvas and subject are the same size when viewed together.
“I’ve had a really good time – it’s not something you would usually get the opportunity to do, and it’s been a really unique experience.
“I’ve learnt a lot of skills about how to draw more accurately, in a way you wouldn’t normally try, because this is real life.
“I’ve learnt a lot about mark making and how to measure using your pencil.
“It’s cool to work at the same size as your canvas rather than having to resize everything in your head – this feels much more realistic and accurate.”
Sarum Studio specialises in the sight-size drawing method, where the model is positioned beside the canvas so that both appear the same size to the viewer.
This classical approach helps artists assess shape, proportion, colour, and tonal values by directly comparing their artwork to the model.
Nicholas Beer, who runs Sarum Studio, said: “It’s great to have the students here learning in a world-renowned environment right on their doorstep.
“They are learning traditional methods for drawing models and are able to do so in a space with incredible natural light, room to step back and analyse their work, and in the heart of the historic Cathedral Close.”
Mr Beer spent two decades honing his craft in Florence and now shares his knowledge with students and artists from around the globe.
The studio regularly welcomes international learners, and Mr Beer said he hopes to continue collaborating with Wiltshire College & University Centre to offer students access to the studio’s specialist facilities and professional teaching environment.
For more information about art and design courses at Wiltshire College & University Centre, visit wiltshire.ac.uk.
