Throughout history, artists have studied animals as companions, spectacles, combatants, and sources of sustenance, exploring how their portrayal can express complex ideas and emotions.
The animal in art has long been depicted as a sacred and symbolic presence, revered from the cave wall to the Cretan vase, the Egyptian tomb to the Venetian lion.
This course will examine the symbolic and archetypal dimensions of animals—their mythic, cultural, and psychological resonances. Students will draw inspiration from art historical imagery, museum collections, ancient cultures, cinema, and their own imaginations.
Alongside this, there will be a strong practical focus on drawing animals from life. Through exercises designed to simulate real encounters with different species—using specially filmed wildlife footage—students will study anatomy, movement, and behaviour, developing strategies for drawing animals in the wild.
These varied approaches will equip students with the skills and understanding to represent animals in ways that are both informed and deeply personal.
These varied approaches will equip students with the skills and understanding to represent animals in ways that are both informed and deeply personal.
Who is it for
Artists, creatives and image-makers of all levels welcome, including beginners.
What’s provided
For our online courses, you will receive prior to the start of the course access to our Padlet Noticeboard where you will be given course details, material lists and some references, as well as our Padlet Gallery where you will be able to upload and comment on work created during the course.
What to bring
For our online courses, you must provide your own materials. Feel free to use any that you would like to during classes, however other suggestions may be posted on the Padlet noticeboard throughout the course by tutors. This is a suggested list of what may be needed:
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
Before you apply
Documents must be dated within the last 6 months (or 12 months for council tax)
