Hotseat Life Drawing

Hotseat Life Drawing is back at Arts Centre Washington on Thursday 5 November, from 7pm to 9.15pm. It's one of the monthly 'Drink and Draw' sessions the centre runs, so if you've done one before, you know the general shape of it: adults sketching from professional male and female models with music and refreshments on hand. It's for ages 18 and over, and you'll need to book in advance.

What sets this one apart from a standard life class is the setup. The room has tiered seating and easels, which opens up elevated viewpoints — you're not just stuck with one angle, and you can see the models from a bit higher up. The models hold a range of dynamic poses, and props are thrown in for visual interest, so it's not just someone sitting still for an hour. It's pitched as a good way to work on hand-eye coordination and experiment with style and media, and the variety of poses means you've got plenty to work with across the session.

The atmosphere is lively rather than hushed, with eclectic playlists running in the background, and drinks can be bought from the Courtyard Bar if you fancy a glass while you draw. It's as much about the social side as the sketching, so it works whether you're coming with a group or just turning up on your own.

It runs from 7pm to 9.15pm on Thursday 5 November at Arts Centre Washington in Sunderland, and it costs £14. Advance booking is essential, so get yours sorted before you head down.