Drawing the Contemporary Portrait

Looking at a broad range of contemporary and traditional artists who have been fascinated by the human face, students will explore the portrait through drawing.

Drawing a Head
Drawing the Clothed Model

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Course details

Dates

Mondays
14 Sept – 16 Nov 2026

Times

18:30 – 21:00

Duration

10 sessions

Fees

£310.00 Concessions available

Location

Shoreditch studios

Tutors

Sophie Charalambous

Nell Brookfield

Dani Trew Res Bina

Overview

On this course we will explore a variety of approaches to mark making, considering both linear and tonal techniques. There will be a focus on pencil, charcoal and ink drawings however students are encouraged to bring any media they wish to work in. We will examine the drawn portraits of Van Gogh, Lucian Freud, Kathe Kollowitz, Frank Auerbach, Maggi Hambling, David Hockney and other artists who also work from observation.

Students will be under the tuition of two different artists who will set exercises exploring specific themes and ideas to guide students throughout the sessions. Working with a range of models each week we will investigate how we can look and engage more closely.

Who is it for

Beginners welcome. No experience of drawing required.

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 & Design teachers/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.

RDS 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)

Your name must be clearly visible

Accepted file formats: PDF, JPG, DOC or DOCX

All our courses are subsidised.

Tutors

Sophie Charalambous

Tutor, Drawing Year Alumna, 2009

Nell Brookfield

Tutor, Drawing Year Alumna, 2018