Enduring Images: Stories of Art

This course offers the opportunity to delve into some of the symbols, motifs and architypes that reappear in art history.

Life Drawing

Book now

Course details

Dates

18 September – 20 November 2025

Times

10:00 – 17:00

Duration

10 sessions

Fees

£478.00 Concessions available

Location

Shoreditch studios

Tutors

Marcus Cornish

Katy Papineau

Overview

“Good artists borrow, great artists steal” - whoever actually said this, there is a truth there for all creative forms. Why do these symbols have power? How do they drive myths and storytelling? And which ones still resonate with us today? Students will follow the line of motifs, following from inception to modern form. This evolution, or visual game of consequences, is a fundamentally creative process in its own right, a process we will follow in our own drawings to see how it can inform what we do and charge our own creativity.

Through intense observational drawing of the human figure, we will explore how we can expand the possibilities of the life room, introducing motifs that carry meaning and fuel the imagination. We’ll look at which symbols cross different cultures and how they span history. 

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.
Primary and Secondary Art Teachers: 50%
Send a letter from your headteacher or head of art department.
Jobseekers: 50%
Send a recent DWP or JobCentre Plus letter confirming you receive Jobseeker’s Allowance or Universal Credit (if out of work). 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)
Your name must be clearly visible
Accepted file formats: PDF, JPG, DOC or DOCX

All our courses are subsidised.

Tutors

Marcus Cornish

Tutor

Katy Papineau

Tutor, Drawing Year Alumni, 2019