Drawing Week Brussels, held annually at the Tour & Taxis site in Laeken, is one of Europe's largest drawing events. It offers hundreds of workshops, demonstrations, and exhibitions across four days. For beginners, the sheer number of choices can be overwhelming. This article highlights the top workshops specifically designed for newcomers, focusing on hands-on learning, experienced instructors, and affordable materials.
Why Drawing Week Brussels Is Ideal for Beginners
Drawing Week Brussels (Semaine du Dessin / Tekenweek Brussel) attracts over 30,000 visitors each year. The event is structured to welcome all skill levels, with dedicated beginner tracks and materials included in workshop fees. Many workshops cost between €25 and €65 for a 2‑ to 3‑hour session, and tickets can be purchased online via the official website. For a full overview of the event, see our Complete Guide to Drawing Week Brussels.
1. “Drawing from Observation” – Foundations Workshop
Instructor: Sarah Van der Meulen (Académie des Beaux‑Arts de Bruxelles)
Duration: 3 hours
Price: €35 (materials included)
Location: Atelier 2, Tour & Taxis
This workshop teaches the basics of observational drawing: proportion, perspective, and shading. Participants work with charcoal and graphite on A3 paper. The class is limited to 15 people to ensure individual feedback.
- What you’ll learn: How to measure proportions using a pencil, create value scales, and apply one‑point perspective.
- Materials provided: A3 drawing pad, charcoal sticks, graphite pencils (2B, 4B, 6B), eraser, and fixative spray.
- Who it’s for: Absolute beginners with no prior experience.
Many past participants mention that this workshop gave them confidence to try more advanced classes later in the week. For the full schedule, check Drawing Week Schedule.
2. “Intro to Ink and Wash” – Watercolor & Ink for Beginners
Instructor: Tomás Rivas (independent artist, featured at Bozar)
Duration: 2.5 hours
Price: €40 (materials included)
Location: Atelier 5, Tour & Taxis
This workshop combines waterproof ink with watercolor washes to create expressive landscapes. Beginners learn basic brush control, wet‑on‑wet techniques, and how to layer ink lines over washes.
- Start with a light pencil sketch.
- Apply ink lines using a dip pen.
- Add watercolor washes in graduated tones.
- Finish with fine details in ink.
All materials are supplied: A4 watercolor paper, India ink, dip pens, and a set of 12 Cotman watercolor pans. Participants leave with at least two finished A4 pieces.
3. “Urban Sketching 101” – Drawing Brussels on Location
Instructor: Lena De Smet (Brussels Urban Sketchers)
Duration: 3 hours (includes outdoor walk)
Price: €30 (bring your own sketchbook; other materials provided)
Location: Meet at Gare Maritime entrance, then walk to Parc de Laeken
Urban sketching is a popular genre that captures city life in quick, loose drawings. This workshop teaches how to simplify complex scenes, use line weight for depth, and add color accents with watercolor.
- What to bring: Any sketchbook (A5 or A4) and a portable stool if desired. The instructor provides pens (Pigma Micron 0.5 and 0.8) and a small watercolor set for shared use.
- Skills covered: Contour drawing, two‑point perspective, and capturing movement of people and traffic.
- Weather note: The workshop runs rain or shine; in case of heavy rain, the group sketches inside the Gare Maritime atrium.
This workshop is especially recommended for those who want to combine drawing with exploring Brussels. For more tips on attending, read What to Expect at Drawing Week Brussels.
4. “Portrait Drawing for Absolute Beginners”
Instructor: Marie Dupont (portrait artist, exhibited at Museum of Fine Arts, Ghent)
Duration: 3 hours
Price: €45 (materials included)
Location: Atelier 3, Tour & Taxis
Many beginners find faces intimidating. This workshop breaks down the process into simple geometric shapes and proportions. Using a live model (same pose for the entire session), participants learn to place features correctly and add shading for volume.
- Key techniques: Measuring distances with a pencil, using the “eyeline” rule, and rendering skin tones with hatching.
- Materials: A3 drawing paper, soft graphite (2B‑6B), blending stumps, and kneaded erasers.
- Class size: Maximum 12 participants to allow individual coaching.
By the end, each participant completes a bust‑length portrait. The instructor also provides a handout with proportion guidelines for practice at home.
5. “Mixed Media Play” – Collage, Markers & More
Instructor: Jan De Wilde (known for his work at KIKK Festival)
Duration: 2 hours
Price: €25 (materials included)
Location: Atelier 1, Tour & Taxis
For beginners who want to experiment without pressure, this workshop encourages playful combinations of materials: colored markers, washi tape, magazine cutouts, and acrylic paint. The goal is to create a small series of abstract or figurative pieces on A5 cards.
- Choose a theme (e.g., “city rhythms” or “nature textures”).
- Layer collage elements on cardstock.
- Add marker lines and paint splatters.
- Finish with fine‑tip pen details.
All materials are provided, including a set of 24 Faber‑Castell markers, Mod Podge glue, and scrap paper. Participants take home 3‑5 finished cards.
6. “Digital Drawing with Procreate” – iPad Workshop
Instructor: Emma Lefèvre (digital illustrator, clients include Le Soir)
Duration: 3 hours
Price: €55 (bring your own iPad with Procreate installed)
Location: Atelier 4, Tour & Taxis
Digital drawing is increasingly popular. This workshop covers the basics of Procreate: layers, brushes, color palettes, and gestures. Beginners create a simple illustration from a reference photo.
- Requirements: iPad (2018 or later), Apple Pencil or compatible stylus, Procreate app (€12.99 on App Store). A limited number of iPads are available for loan upon request.
- Topics: Setting up a canvas, using alpha lock, clipping masks, and exporting files.
- Takeaway: A layered Procreate file and a PNG export of your artwork.
This workshop is ideal for beginners who want to transition from paper to screen. For ticket information, see How to Buy Tickets.
7. “Family Drawing Fun” – Parent‑Child Workshop (Ages 6+)
Instructor: Team from Musée des Enfants (Brussels)
Duration: 1.5 hours
Price: €20 per pair (adult + child), €10 extra per additional child
Location: Family Zone, Tour & Taxis
Drawing Week Brussels welcomes families with this interactive workshop. Using large sheets of paper, crayons, and stamps, parents and children collaborate on a giant mural. The theme changes each day (e.g., “underwater world” or “space adventure”).
- Materials: Non‑toxic crayons, washable markers, sponge stamps, and glue sticks.
- Supervision: Instructors guide the group but encourage free expression.
- Result: A collaborative mural displayed in the Family Zone for the remainder of the event.
This is a great introduction for young children and their parents to enjoy drawing together.
Practical Tips for Beginners
To make the most of Drawing Week Brussels as a beginner, consider the following:
- Book early: Popular workshops fill up weeks in advance. Tickets are available online and at the door, but online booking guarantees a spot.
- Arrive 15 minutes early: Workshops start promptly, and latecomers may miss instructions.
- Dress comfortably: The Tour & Taxis venue is large and can be chilly; layers are recommended.
- Bring a notebook: Many instructors share tips and resources; jotting them down helps.
- Visit the materials market: Vendors like Buro+ and Papier Plume offer discounts on supplies during the event.
For a complete overview of what to bring and see, read our Complete Guide to Drawing Week Brussels.
Conclusion
Drawing Week Brussels offers a welcoming environment for beginners to explore drawing in various media. The workshops listed above are selected for their supportive instruction, inclusive atmosphere, and reasonable prices. Whether you prefer traditional pencil, ink, digital, or mixed media, there is a workshop that fits your interests. Don’t be shy—grab a pencil and join the thousands of new artists who discover their passion at this event each year.
Related articles
- The Complete Guide to Drawing Week Brussels
- Drawing Week Schedule
- How to Buy Tickets
- What to Expect at Drawing Week Brussels