For the first three months students will start by doing masterworks copies and other exercises before moving to drawing from plaster casts.

For the second three months students will continue drawing from the cast, working on refining their technique.

Students who are in the program for over 6 months may start to paint casts and then move to still life painting in oil. This will be decided on a student to student basis.

Students will learn and use both comparative measurement and sight-size techniques. 

Each student will have their own work-space and work at their own pace in a supportive and encouraging environment.

Cast drawing is a wonderful way to work on one's ability to see and record shapes and sharpen one's eye. Students will be selected by an application process. Preference will be given to students who are interested in working in this program for more then 6 months.

My goal with this program is to develop a small core group of students who are driven and motivated in pursuing their art training. This core group of students will be encouraged to take other classes at the academy.

Monday evenings 6-9pm
Cost $630 Includes GST. 12 weeks, 12 classes.
36 hours of instruction. Your own dedicated work space.
Materials not included

To apply email Noah at noah@noahlayne.com with your name, age and a little about why you want to be in the program as well as your goals for your art. Also please attach 3 images of drawings done from life. All levels of ability welcome.

Student comments

"I watched with amazement as our group of like minded artists all grew in our ability to focus, appreciate the fundamentals of establishing a solid drawing and getting some right proper results.

"It’s an incredible opportunity to lay bare your strengths and weaknesses - celebrating the former and improving the latter. Cast drawing reduces your drawing task to the essentials - the ability to see and reproduce proportions, turn form and drive a pencil to it’s maximum -enjoying the focus that both require.  

"Noah is an astonishing artist who we are incredibly fortunate to have in our little community of Victoria. Apart from actually being able to “do it”, he’s able to demonstrate it in every class, inspiring and instructing others in the process.  As a veteran of three colleges, two art schools and having supported myself as a commercial artist fairly handsomely over nearly half a century, I think I’ve got the credentials to support my incredibly high estimation of the man."

Laura Corsiglia

"Your Cast Drawing Program has been an immense boost to my artistic skills!
Blocking in seems to come more naturally, and I am now surprised that my initial lines are often correct! I am far more aware of things to look for in the form: proportions, relationships, where and how different elements line up. I think the biggest improvements for me is the understanding of tonal values, and how our brain tricks us into thinking an area is darker or lighter than it really is, depending on what values are adjacent to it. And how the slightest change in tone can make a huge difference in the form being rendered. Learning how light on a form works, with form shadows, cast shadows and reflected light has really helped me 'see' and understand what I am looking at, and greatly improved my ability to render whatever I want to render. I see my skills improving in so many ways. I look at old drawings and paintings I've done and see mistakes I had not seen before. 

"I signed up for the first semester of Cast Drawing with some hesitation, as it was a largish commitment of both time and money, and I didn't really know what I was in for. But when I saw how much I was improving, I was hooked, and will complete the three semester program, and more if offered. The time in each class flies by in a supportive and fun atmosphere. The individual attention you give; coaching, guiding, giving suggestions is invaluable. Even if I had the discipline to tackle these projects at home, I would not be learning  half as much. I would and do recommend your program to any artist wanting to improve rendering skills. The highest quality teaching, well worth the investment!" 

Robin D

"I'm enjoying the cast drawing class and I think you're a tremendous teacher!
I know that I've learned a lot so far and my concentration and my ability to see has steadily improved. Although I wish I were improving more quickly I appreciate that I need to accept where I'm at right now and to work slowly and steadily. 'Small steps lead to big changes.' " 

Yvonka

"Am loving this programme and look forward to the next trimester.
The classes have been a very different experience: the studio set -up and the fact that we are each working on different projects at different speeds give a wonderful sense that 'it's you and the subject' and the rest of the world melts away.  "Every drawing is a strange adventure ... you sit in front of something you are supposedly familiar with and off you go, discovering why things look the way they do and how a skilled artist can bring it all onto the paper, and how what you thought was familiar is really not familiar at all. It's quite amazing! As the skill grows, you can actually see more." 

Geraldine

More students' comments here.