Metamorphosis: Drawing Transformation in Art and Myth

This course explores the theme of metamorphosis in art and literature, delving into how artists have historically represented transformation.

Drawing the Clothed Model
Drawing from Imagination

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Metamorphosis: Drawing Transformation in Art and Myth Image

Course details

Dates

19 September – 17 October 2025

Times

10:00 – 17:00

Duration

5 sessions

Fees

£287.00 Concessions available

Location

Online

Tutors

Richard Ayodeji Ikhide

Phoebe Stannard

Alicja Biała Self Portrait as a Potato Plant

Overview

Whether of humans into animals, creatures into hybrids, or identities into new forms, students will have the opportunity to be inspired by classical and contemporary metamorphosis myths from sources such as Ovid’s Metamorphoses and retelling by Ted Hughes, Franz Kafka’s The Metamorphosis, and Angela Carter’s The Bloody Chamber. This course aims to provide a dynamic space for artistic exploration and creative expression, where the boundaries between human and animal, physical and imaginary, dissolve and reform in endless, fascinating possibilities.

The course will be structured around thematic sessions focusing on transformation and change, using a combination of live models, visual references, and practical drawing exercises. Each session will introduce a different aspect of metamorphosis through a short presentation on a relevant myth or artwork, followed by guided drawing activities that explore shifting forms and spaces.

Who is it for

Artists, creatives and image-makers of all levels welcome, including beginners.

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.
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

Richard Ayodeji Ikhide

Tutor, Drawing Year Alumni, 2017

Phoebe Stannard

Tutor, Drawing Year Alumni, 2010