Transforming Observation: Memory and Imagination

Through drawing, the ordinary and close at hand can become extraordinary. The more we look, the more everything reveals itself to us as unexpected.

Drawing from Imagination
Drawing the Clothed Model

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Transforming Observation: Memory and Imagination Image

Course details

Dates

Mondays
11 Jan – 8 Feb 2027

Times

10:00 – 17:00

Duration

5 sessions

Fees

£298.00 Concessions available

Location

Online

Tutors

Paul Patrick Fenner

Bek Ashton Cowboys Are Frequently Secretly Fond of Each Other

Overview

For some artists, the vital spark in their
drawing comes from the tenderness of
attention in sustained observation, such as
the way in which Morandi transformed tin
jugs into rhapsodies of matter, air, and light.
Whereas for others it comes from a
strength of internal vision that transports
the close at hand to another imaginative
realm, like in Goya’s ‘The Witches’, where
observations of his own aging body were
turned into scenes of comic terror.

Students will combine observation of their
surroundings with props, sound, touch, and
memory to create something with personal
meaning. This could involve dissolving the
walls of the room, calling on memory and
imagination to make work, or it could
simply be the search for something
expressive in the depiction of what is seen.
Students will encourage one another to
take creative risks and open new
approaches to our drawing.

Please note this course has an emphasis on
the use of imagination and memory which
can at times elicit difficult feelings for
some.

Who is it for

Beginners welcome. No experience of drawing required.

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.

Image: ' The hanging rings are removed allowing the two out of the netting, and the lusty maids have found their favourite' by Sara Anstis

Tutors

Paul Patrick Fenner

Tutor, Drawing Year Alumnus, 2012