Portraits: Drawing and Monotype

The unique process of monotype printing embraces aspects of both drawing and painting, which students will have the chance to explore whilst working from the model.

Drawing the Clothed Model
Printmaking and Etching

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Course details

Dates

17 September – 19 November 2025

Times

18:30 – 21:00

Duration

10 sessions

Fees

£298.00 Concessions available

Location

Shoreditch studios

Tutors

Tara Versey

Rachael Neale

Paul Majek Bode

Overview

Incorporating the bold and the subtle with a very particular surface texture, the monotype presents its own challenges. This course will offer the student the chance to work directly from the model and make explorative prints using the press in situ. The evocative nature of the portrait and the print process provides us with endless possibilities. Observation from life allows the opportunity to study qualities of light, space and form and how these might be best expressed within printing. Looking, planning and making, combined with spontaneity, risk and a certain quality of chance, gives way to wonderful and often unexpected images. These can be an end in themselves or informative for other personal art practices.  

Every class will begin with drawing studies, which will then lead into and aid printmaking. Each print will be a one-off and building up the image in layers will be encouraged.

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. 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

Tara Versey

Tutor, Drawing Year Alumni, 2010

Rachael Neale

Tutor, Drawing Year Alumni, 2018