Learning from life drawing

ARTIST Tom

Humby’s work covers a wide range of media and styles, but he recommends life drawing for its creative and therapeutic benefits. He leads a life drawing session once a month at Southside Community arts venue on Lincoln’s Colegrave Street after attending different classes all over the country for 20 years.

Tom graduated from the University of Lincoln in 2004 with a BA Hons in Illustration: “Although I do get the odd illustration and graphics job here and there, most of my work would be considered fine art. I can produce digital work, but I consider computers just another tool. These days there’s an over reliance on them and I prefer to produce work with my own hands. I’ve always had a natural affinity with paint.”

In the studio Tom works on medium to large scale seascapes and landscapes in oil. “In the last few years, I have tended to produce more figurative work. I prefer to use oil, but the slow drying time means it’s not always practical. I’ve been experimenting a lot with using copper as a canvas. This is actually a very old technique that appears to be making a bit of a comeback.”

Outside of the studio he produces smaller works and his artist’s kit bag has evolved from experimenting with different media that was more practical to carry around.” This is the kit he uses for life drawing classes: “I consider life drawing essential practice for any artist. But as well as the means of honing your skills there’s a definite therapeutic quality to it. It can be very mindful.You are present and focused on one task without distractions. Get yourself in the zone and it’s almost meditative. I definitely feel it has a positive effect on my mental health.”

On his return to Lincoln at the end of 2022 Tom found there were few life drawing class options in the city.

“The last few years I had often thought about running my own classes, so I think there was a bit of serendipity involved when I found Southside. I couldn’t have hoped for a better venue. I really wanted to take some of the best elements of classes I’ve attended throughout the years and make relaxed and approachable sessions for people of all skills. So, if you’re out there and you’ve wanted to give it a try please come down to Southside.”

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