Experimental Environments: Drawing a World in Flux

By immersing ourselves in a sensory atmosphere curated with props, lighting and rhythmic sound, students will embark on an imaginative studio journey.

Life Drawing
Drawing from Imagination

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Course details

Dates

Thursdays
4 Jun – 2 Jul 2026

Times

10:00 – 17:00

Duration

5 sessions

Fees

£287.00

Location

Shoreditch studios

Tutors

Deanio X

Overview

On this course we will pay homage to world cultures and environments through evocative scenes, improvised poses, and experimental drawing. Students will be encouraged to experiment by combining materials such as pigment, charcoal, pastels, inks, and watercolours to develop a cache of marks in their practice.

Central to each session is finding the focus to create by considering how an immediate environment influences artistry. Students will also consider how they might expand their repertoire of techniques, subjects and motifs by imaginatively engaging with worlds beyond their immediate senses.

Students will explore the human form through figurative drawing with a life model. They will also explore how ambient sound and light filters through the senses to inform abstract shapes, textures, and narratives in drawings. Visual artists like Ingrid Pollard, Greta Bratescu, Tsukioka Yoshitoshi and Max Ernst will serve as inspiration to our references. 

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

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

Deanio X

Tutor, Drawing Year Alumnus, 2019