Digital Drawing: Life Observed
I’m convinced that technology and art go together—and always have, for centuries. I’m interested in anything that makes a picture. – David Hockney
Art and technology have a rich, shared history and as technology advances, so too does art. Technology has made art more accessible both in terms of its creation but also the way it is sold, viewed and shared. Digital artmaking has revolutionised the fields of illustration, concept art, animation, and design, with ever more powerful technology offering incredible and complex ways to render our ideas.
But what about the humble act of drawing in its simplest terms? Drawing on tablets and smartphones has proven to be an immediate and exciting way of capturing the everyday. Portable and accessible, they have the added advantages of limitless colour choices, layering and the ability to work in low light. They also offer the creative freedom of being able to practice and experiment without material cost or waste. This course allows students to dip their toes into the world of drawing digitally, to use your own tablet or smartphone as a virtual sketchbook. The course will offer an introduction to working digitally, exploring the apps and technology available, whilst keeping a strong emphasis on drawing from observation. The aim: to look at how you can expand your drawing techniques through new processes, engaging with the unique opportunities of the digital medium. Using these new tools, we will approach drawing as reportage; harnessing the portability and flexibility of our digital devices to capture our daily encounters, the places we live, and our private and imagined worlds. You will be asked to draw your immediate surroundings, objects at home, the fading evening light and the illuminated landscapes and cityscapes we can see from our windows. All levels welcome, including beginners.
Please note that the recommended app for this course is Procreate, which will be used as a reference point throughout the course.
NHS staff receive a 20% discount; to apply participants must submit proof by emailing a photograph of their NHS staff badge to admin@royaldrawingschool.org before booking a course.
Full-time BA students studying for a degree in Fine Art receive up to a 75% discount. Those studying on design or applied arts degrees may also be eligible on a case-by-case basis. Student ID and proof of enrolment must be submitted. Please email a picture of your student ID to admin@royaldrawingschool.org and wait to receive confirmation that your concession has been approved before booking.
Primary and secondary school teachers who teach art receive a 50% discount; to apply participants must submit proof in the form of a letter from their head teacher or the head of the art department. Please e-mail a scan of this letter to admin@royaldrawingschool.org and wait to receive confirmation that your concession has been approved before booking.
Individuals on job seekers allowance receive a 50% discount; to apply participants must provide evidence that you're receiving Jobseeker’s Allowance. Just provide a recent letter from JobCentre Plus/DWP confirming you're in receipt of this benefit. Unfortunately, we cannot accept Jobseeker’s Allowance appointment booklets as valid evidence. You may also apply if you receive Universal Credit under the conditions of being out of work. Please send a copy of your proof/official letter to admin@royaldrawingschool.org and and wait to receive confirmation that your concession has been approved before booking.
Individuals who receive disability support are eligible for a 50% discount; to apply participants must submit proof that they are currently receiving this allowance. Please email a scan of your letter to admin@royaldrawingschool.org and wait to receive confirmation that your concession has been approved before booking.
Tower Hamlet and Hackney residents are eligible for a 25% discount on courses at Shoreditch; to apply participants must show proof of living in these boroughs in the form of your most recent council tax bill. Please email a scan of your letter to admin@royaldrawingschool.org and wait to receive confirmation that your concession has been approved before booking.
Tower Hamlet and Hackney businesses are eligible for a 25% discount on courses at Shoreditch during the Autumn Term; to apply participants must show proof of working in these boroughs in the form a staff ID, business card, or headed letter from your line manager. Please email a scan of your proof to admin@royaldrawingschool.org and wait to receive confirmation that your concession has been approved before booking.
Individuals over the age of 60 may apply for a 10% discount on courses at Shoreditch; to apply participants must show proof of being over 60. Please email a picture of your ID to admin@royaldrawingschool.org and wait to receive confirmation that your concession has been approved before booking.
Alumni of the Royal Drawing School's Postgraduate programme and Foundation Year receive a 50% discount on courses
Alumni of the Online Drawing Development Year receive a 50% discount on online short courses.
To apply for a concession:
- first submit any documents/proof pertaining to the concession you are applying for, to admin@royaldrawingschool.org.
- wait for an email confirming your concession has been approved before booking and paying for your course.
Please check that your evidence:
- is dated within the last 6 months from the start date of your course, or within the last year if pertaining to council tax.
- shows your name as a claimant
- is presented to us in one of the following formats: PDF, JPG, .DOC or .DOCX
All of our course rates are subsidised and we also offer a comprehensive concessions scheme. View all course fees and concessions.
Featured image by Fraser Scarfe