In the National Gallery PM (Aged 10–14)

Led by practicing artists, this weekly course held at the National Gallery guides students through a range of observational drawing exercises to build a portfolio of high-quality work.

Drawing from Art
Drawing Open Space

In the National Gallery PM (Aged 10–14) Image

Course details

Dates

Saturdays
24 Jan – 28 Mar 2026

Times

14:00 – 16:00

Duration

10 sessions

Fees

£235.00 Concessions available

Location

Museums & galleries

Tutors

Yiwei Xu

Madeleine Wood

Overview

Held onsite at the National Gallery, this course is inspired by the gallery's incredible collection spanning 2,300 paintings from the 13th to the 19th centuries.

During the course Young Artists will explore and develop essential drawing techniques through hands-on experimentation with line, tone, shape, perspective, and colour. Students will draw from a wide range of sources, working directly from the artworks on display and will be supported in developing a regular sketchbook practise.

Each week, tutors will introduce new exercises and diverse influences to keep the course fresh, dynamic, and inspiring. Young artists will be encouraged to develop their unique artistic voice and sharpen their observation skills whilst exploring the figure, portraiture, landscape and mythology in art.

Students will be drawing in public gallery spaces at the National Gallery and, occasionally, outdoors in the local vicinity or parks.

Who is it for

Students aged 10–14 (school years 5–9) with a passion for drawing and a desire to develop their skills.

We’re committed to making our courses accessible to all young people with a passion and talent for drawing. 50% and 100% means-tested scholarships are available for each course. Find full details and how to apply on our Young Artist page.

What’s provided

All materials for classes are supplied.

What to bring

Please wear suitable clothes for art making.

Scholarships

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

Yiwei Xu

Young Artists tutor, Drawing Year Alumna, 2020

Madeleine Wood

Young Artists tutor, Drawing Year Alumna, 2024