Life Drawing & Painting Sessions in Aberdeen
"Drawing is not what one sees, but what one can make others see." — Edgar Degas
A Creative Community in the Heart of Aberdeen
Great Western Road Community Centre — formerly Holburn West Church — has been a focal point for vibrant community engagement for over 100 years. The centre was established in its current form in 2024 and is easily accessible by public transport, with free parking at Ashley Park Drive and nearby Pitstruan Place.
Aberdeen Art Circle was formed to provide an opportunity for collaboration with other artists, with a focus on 2D as well as 3D figurative and abstract art.
Our Life Drawing and Painting sessions were launched in January 2026. All levels of talent are welcome — from complete beginners to the more experienced — to enjoy the challenge of developing your own personal skills in a supportive and relaxed setting. Sessions provide an opportunity to depict the human form through observation and study of the model.
Discover your own unique expressive style and amaze yourself.
Kathleen Watt
Kathleen studied at Hornsey College of Art, London, before successfully completing a BA Hons Fine Art degree at Liverpool College of Art.
She served as Director at the Belvidere Gallery, Rosemount, Aberdeen for 25 years, where she exhibited her figurative work and organised many community outreach projects.
Kathleen is committed to sharing her passion for the figure by facilitating these life drawing and painting sessions as well as collaborative workshops. Whether you are new to drawing from life or looking to refine your technique, you will find a welcoming and encouraging environment.
All sessions take place on Fridays, 11am to 1.30pm, with short and longer poses by a professional model.
Life Drawing Sessions — Every Friday
Two-hour sessions from 11am to 1.30pm with a professional model. Short and longer poses to suit all abilities.
Block Booking
Book a full block in advance and save. Payment online to secure your booking and inform Kathleen at aberdeenartcircle@gmail.com
Single Bookings
Booking required with payment online to secure your booking and inform Kathleen at aberdeenartcircle@gmail.com
Concessions Students
Reduced rate for students. Payment online to secure your booking and inform Kathleen at aberdeenartcircle@gmail.com
2026 Schedule
| Dates | Block | Block Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 17 April – 24 April 2026 | 2 weeks | £29.00 | Shortened sessions — maintenance work in studio space |
| 21 August – 2 October 2026 | 7 weeks | £101.50 | |
| 30 October – 27 November 2026 | 5 weeks | £72.50 |
What's Coming Up
2026 End of Term Get-Togethers
| Date | Event | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Friday 27 November | Feedback session | A life study discussion session to consider our successes and overcoming the challenges |
| Saturday 28 November, 7.30pm | Get-together | Venue and details to be confirmed |
Collaborations
We are planning several proposed workshops next year:
| Workshop | With | When |
|---|---|---|
| Printing | Peacock Print | TBC |
| Weaving | Lucy MacDonald | Easter — TBC |
| Plein Air | Jonathan Shearer | Summer — TBC |
Work from Our Sessions
A selection of figurative studies created during life drawing and painting sessions at Aberdeen Art Circle.
All artwork © Aberdeen Art Circle and the individual artists. Images may not be reproduced or used elsewhere without written permission.
Book a Place or Ask a Question
Contact Kathleen by email to book a place in the life drawing and painting sessions, or to discuss a proposal for a collaborative workshop.
Venue
Great Western Road Community Centre
(formerly Holburn West Church)
Great Western Road, Aberdeen
Free parking: Ashley Park Drive & Pitstruan Place
"How you draw is a reflection of how you feel about the world. You're not capturing it, you're interpreting it." — Juliette Aristides
