Two-Day Intensive: Foundations of Drawing

with Paola Ferri

Dates: Saturday 10 & Sunday 11 October 2026
Time: 10:00–16:00 each day (1-hour lunch break)
Location: Burnt Sienna, Kamminer Str. 9, 10589 Berlin

Price: €240 (€195 solidarity)

Learn to draw with confidence

This two-day intensive is designed for complete beginners and anyone wanting to strengthen the foundations of their drawing practice.

Over two full days you'll develop the essential skills that underpin all observational drawing—from confident mark-making and construction to light, shadow and composition. Through demonstrations, practical exercises and individual feedback, you'll learn how to see more accurately and translate what you observe onto paper.

By the end of the weekend you'll have a solid understanding of form, value and spatial relationships, providing the perfect foundation for further study in drawing or painting.

Day One – Seeing Form

  • Introduction to drawing materials and methods

  • How to hold and use different drawing tools

  • Loosening the hand through simple exercises

  • Constructing basic forms: spheres, cylinders, cones and boxes

  • Understanding proportion and observation

  • Introduction to light and shadow

  • Creating volume through tonal values

  • Quick observational sketches from simple objects

Day Two – Building Confidence

  • Still life drawing from observation

  • Perspective and spatial relationships

  • Cross-hatching and pencil techniques

  • Creating convincing depth and volume

  • Longer sustained drawing from a composed still life

  • Optional cast drawing (depending on availability)

  • Individual feedback throughout the day

Suitable for

  • Complete beginners

  • Artists returning to drawing after a break

  • Painters wanting to strengthen their drawing skills

What's included

  • Small group (maximum 6 students)

  • Individual tuition

  • Tea and coffee throughout the weekend

  • Materials available to borrow (or bring your own if preferred)



Paola Ferri, born in Rome in 1978.

In Rome, I attended the Academy of Arts for 5 years by the artist Gino Marotta, taking my degree in painting and decoration.
During those years I developed a deep love for oil painting, drawing, engraving and art history. Before moving to Berlin I taught in some atelier / school  in Rome.
In 2010, I grounded and now lead, the Berlin School of Drawing ( born Berlindrawing ), a small art school in Berlin.
I also teach drawing, illustration, art history and painting in schools and private studios and offer private classes fro singles or groups.