‘We all draw naturally as children but somehow, as we grow up, most of us grow away from drawing and think of it as a specialist skill rather than a natural human ability. I believe that drawing is a skill which can be taught and which anyone can learn.’
For all of us humans, drawing can be a way to express ourselves, to notice beauty, make sense of things, play, have fun and relax – it’s not only for artists.
I have 30 years of teaching experience in community and informal settings and have helped hundreds of people to discover their creativity through drawing. I can support you to begin or progress your drawing practice, through my online course or in-person workshops.
Permission to Draw
Permission to Draw is a live online course designed to help you reconnect with that inquiring, child-like view of the world and learn to see and represent it in your own way.
It is suitable for complete beginners, secret zoom doodlers, reluctant diagram makers and competent colouring in-ers. It is also good for people who once loved art but have lost it along the way and would really like to reconnect with their creative selves. If you’re curious to know if you can learn to draw, this course will help you discover what you’re capable of.
Each week I will lead you through drawing tasks to develop your perceptive skills, your knowledge of drawing approaches and your confidence to play and experiment. Expect calm and contemplative exercises with enough challenge to keep you progressing, with guidance from me all the way alongside a supportive group of other learners.
The next course begins in September 2026 and you can join the waiting list now.
Workshops
I love sharing the magic of drawing what you see, the excitement of making marks in charcoal and the tranquility of drawing in the woods. I delight in watching the lightbulb moments happen.
I teach a variety of in-person workshops in my Edinburgh studio and in partnership with venues around the UK, including:
- Drawing with charcoal
- Short workshops in contemporary drawing approaches
- Drawing historic trees and woodland
- Gelli plate printmaking using charcoal
- Expressive and gestural drawing
I offer places to my mailing list first and they are suitable for any level of experience – you will be supported and challenged to progress from where you are.
You can also email me if you you would like to discuss a bespoke workshop.
‘Tansy is a patient and inspiring teacher. I loved the way she encouraged us to connect with the slow time of these ancient and venerable trees. I let go of all sense of the outside world for a beautifully immersive experience. capturing their twisting boughs and powerful presence with charcoal.’ Frances