Drawing Across Continents and Cultures

Think about a prehistoric carving, an African door panel, a medieval mosaic or an Indian miniature and you cross over into social setups and sensorial perceptions that may seem unfamiliar. We could learn from artisans of the past by studying their works and engaging with them. Students will find new ways to draw on a long history of visual development across the globe to enrich their own knowledge base and inspire their practice.

Life Drawing

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Course details

Dates

Fridays
1 May – 3 Jul 2026

Times

10:00 – 17:00

Duration

10 sessions

Fees

£478.00

Location

Shoreditch studios

Tutors

Richard Ayodeji Ikhide

Julian Bell

Constanza Dessain

Overview

Part of our active thinking will be drawing and interpreting the artworks and plunging into their contexts. We’ll ask how the works functioned on different levels - the ways they reflected communities, philosophies and aesthetic instincts.

Our day-long practical sessions - many of them working with a live model – will utilise reference points ranging deep into the past and span many continents, visual cultures, artists and art movements. We'll experiment, forming our own new art histories.

Who is it for

Artists, creatives and image-makers of all levels welcome, including beginners.

What’s provided

For studio courses, easels, drawing boards, charcoal, newsprint and masking tape are provided in the studios for free. There is an added paper fee included at the time of booking which covers the use of cartridge and watercolour paper that is provided in the studios. Any other materials you would like to use please bring with you; we will send out a suggested material list before the start of your course.

What to bring

You are encouraged to bring your own additional materials for personal use only, to the studio. This is an example list of what may be needed; a full material lists will be provided one week before your course begins. Our suggestions include:

Drawing Pencils
Conté Crayons
Pastels
Ink Pens
Coloured Pencils
Putty and Hard Erasers
Pencil Sharpener
Sketchbook

Concessions

We offer a range of discounts. To apply, email admin@royaldrawingschool.org with the required proof. Please wait for confirmation before booking.

Available discounts

NHS Staff: 20%
Send a photo of your NHS staff badge.
Full-time Fine Art BA Students: 75%
Students on design or applied arts degrees may also be eligible. Send your student ID and proof of enrolment.
Art and Design Teachers and tutors, from Primary and Secondary to Further and Higher Education: 50%
Send a letter from your headteacher, dean, or head of art department on headed paper.
Jobseekers: 50%
Send a recent DWP or JobCentre Plus letter confirming you receive Jobseeker’s Allowance. Appointment booklets are not accepted.
Disability Benefit Recipients: 50%
Send proof that you currently receive this allowance.
Tower Hamlets and Hackney Residents: 25% (Shoreditch courses only)
Send a copy of your most recent council tax bill.
Tower Hamlets and Hackney Businesses: 25% (Shoreditch courses only)
Send a staff ID, business card or a letter from your line manager.
Over 60s: 10%
Send a photo ID as proof of age.
Alumni: Postgraduate Programme or Foundation Year: 50% off short courses
Online Drawing Development Year: 50% off online short courses