Term 2 2026 | Abstract and Experimental Drawing with Nicolas Saccardo (WED)

Lecturer: Nicolas Saccardo Wed 29 Apr – Wed 3 Jun 6pm – 9pm Level – Beginners onwards Age – 16+ This is an adult class and is not suitable for students under 16 years of age. Students under 18, must obtain parental or guardian consent and submit a completed consent form before the class commences. This course introduces concepts and techniques related to abstract and experimental modes of drawing. Students will be encouraged to think outside the box and expand their understanding of what drawing can or should be through a variety of exercises that explore atypical approaches to mark-making and the use of drawing implements. Students will learn methods of conveying touch, memory, and movement through the sensitivity of drawn lines, as well as useful approaches to process-based abstraction. We will examine unusual ideas such as drawing constraints and blind drawing as interesting ways to prompt abstraction in your work and bring about fresh ways of thinking. More sculptural and three-dimensional drawing practices will be introduced, engaging students with conceptual ideas surrounding materiality and spatial relationships. Students will work through exercises each week with guidance from their lecturer and will be introduced to contemporary artists who explore themes related to the course content. This class is suitable for students at any level, and those without prior knowledge are encouraged to join. Materials required: Drawing implements of choice, e.g. pens, graphite, coloured pencils, crayons, charcoal, markers* Sketchbook* Paper (Multiple sheets of A2 and A3 recommended)* Sharpener* Scissors* Tape* Craft knife Glue String or twine Scrap cardboard (will be provided in class as well) Collage materials, e.g. newspaper, magazines, old books, receipts, loose pieces of scrap paper Miscellaneous objects (could be something found on the street or repurposed from home – aiming for around drink bottle size, must be able to fit in your hand) Old fabrics *Materials needed for week 1. Nicolas Ottavio Saccardo (he/they) is an emerging visual artist living and practicing on Kaurna land. Utilising expanded modes of drawing and sculpture, their work revolves around an interest in human-object dynamics and probing unexpected ways of viewing often mundane found materials. Moments of chance and process-led experimentation guides their artistic process, and they seek to work curiously and sensitively in response to the entropic world of things and objects. Nicolas is a graduate from the Adelaide Central School of Art (2024) and most recently exhibited their first solo exhibition, a plane casts a trail in the sky overhead, at the POD Gallery in early 2025. They are currently a studio artist at The Mill and are an active member of Highhorse Collective, a multidisciplinary artist-run group active within the local arts scene. @n.o.saccardo www.themilladelaide.com/studioartists/nicolas-ottavio-saccardo Images: Nicolas Ottavio Saccardo, Fresh Yield, 2025, coloured pencil, graphite, and collage on found timber, 14.8cm x 21cm; Nicolas Ottavio Saccardo, i am ok with not knowing nor do i care to, 2025, crayon, coloured pencil, and ink on found book, 18.3 x 10.5 x 3 cm; Nicolas Ottavio Saccardo, Untitled, 2025, coloured pencil on paper, 21cm x 29.7cm. Please read the Terms and Conditions before completing your enrolment. Book before 20 March for the 5% Early Bird discount!