Drawing the Space Between

This course explores the profound relationship between the drawn mark and the space it creates.

Drawing the Clothed Model
Drawing from Art
Drawing from Imagination

Course details

Dates

Saturdays
20 Feb – 20 Mar 2027

Times

10:00 – 17:00

Duration

5 sessions

Fees

£298.00 Concessions available

Location

Online

Tutors

Clare Newbolt

Overview

Centred on the ancient Japanese concept of ma—the dynamic space, interval, or silence between forms—students will investigate how a single line transforms the empty page from a passive background into an active participant.

Through structured exercises using both still life and the model, students will navigate two distinct approaches to creation: drawing directly from life to capture immediate observation and drawing from recollection to evoke memory and inner landscape.

Whilst working mainly in monochrome, students will look at the tonality of William Kentridge drawings, the nature and quality of the drawn line and space in Matisse and Morandi's, alongside Chinese Song Dynasty landscape paintings and Brancusi sculpture.

Who is it for

Suitable for artists and creatives of all abilities, though some drawing experience is recommended.

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 & 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

Clare Newbolt

Tutor