Dobell Drawing School

PARTNER | NATIONAL ART SCHOOL

26

Years

1667

Students

204

Schools

Each year the Foundation funds the Dobell Drawing School at the National Art School. The course provides a rare opportunity for year 11 students from regional NSW and outer metropolitan areas of Sydney to develop their drawing and visual perception skills.

The course is run by practicing artists/teachers from the National Art School in central Sydney. Each year 75 students are selected from government schools to participate in a four-day intensive studio program. The workshops include: drawing the nude model, portrait drawing, drawing the clothed figure, experimental drawing, and observational drawing. The four-day course culminates in an exhibition of the students’ work.

The Dobell Drawing School provides a unique opportunity for regional students from diverse backgrounds to better understand the concepts and processes of developing a finished drawing prior to the development of an artwork for their High School Certificate.

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Impact

“It was an amazing experience that I am thrilled to have been a part of and I would highly recommend it to anyone who gets the chance to take the opportunity as it helped me to further my skills: not only in art but also my communication and social skills. It helped widen my perspective and deepen my understanding of art’s cultural and spiritual contexts.”

—Roxanne (Dobell Drawing School 2026)
“The Dobell Drawing School provided very helpful lessons to improve drawing proportions and the anatomy of the human body correctly, and being able to identify how to measure, and mark out points or simple guidelines to quickly illustrate the structure of a human figure. The constant practice helped me improve and see how else I could improve in my figure drawings, and helped my confidence in drawing. “

—Lily (Dobell Drawing School 2026)
"Trying new approaches helped me discover what I enjoy creating and what I don't, which has helped me begin developing my own artistic style. One of the best parts of the program was meeting new people who shared the same passion for art. I also found it interesting to spend time at an art-focused university and gain an insight into what studying art at that level is like.”

—Jorja, Bathurst High Campus 2026
"The teachers were kind and helpful, and also very knowledgeable and experienced. I really enjoyed the final art exhibition at the end of the week because we got to see what people had been doing in the other classes. It was interesting to see how people had improved. Being in the city for a week and seeing art galleries and meeting people with the same interests as me was so much fun. Overall, it was truly a great experience "

—Evelyne, Bathurst High Campus 2026

2026

DOBELL DRAWING SCHOOL

In April 2026, 72 students from regional and metropolitan schools gathered for the 27th Dobell Drawing School. Run in the first week of school holidays, the intensive art-making workshops are led by National Art School lecturers and artists. The week culminates in an exhibition of works produced by the students.

See the students experience and explore their work below.