Drawing Laboratory
“Truth is veiled but may be approached by means of observation, discussion and reasoning, where mistakes are always possible” – Carlo Rovelli
Drawing Lab is for experienced artists and complete beginners alike; indeed the best classes are often ones with massive variation in terms of participants, across all measures of diversity. The studio becomes a laboratory, an artificial place where we investigate aspects of the world through drawing, away from their context. Different experimental challenges are set by the tutor each session, with group discussion and reflection throughout the day. Students may find themselves asked to struggle to see their reflection in water, contemplating the process whilst creating a self-portrait, or observe a complex mathematical pattern repeated over time and work towards drawing it from memory. Often these will lead to refining a challenge and repeating it with subtle variations. In this way a group of people can get to know themselves each other and the world via drawing in intense and exciting ways.
The purpose of the sessions is not to make a final product, although we will draw all day, the drawings we make in the sessions are by-products of a renewed understanding of the world and the way our sensory and cognitive systems allow us to experience it. Materials are provided and exercises will comprise many types of drawing and touch multiple subject areas, and although we will not use a life model, we will frequently draw ourselves and each other. Anyone can attend even if they feel they “cannot draw”. There are ways in which the beginner has the advantage over the expert, an expert can be trapped by their skill, if you are that expert this can be a place where you can recover your freedom and allow that skill to grow. In this course, all that is required is a willingness to engage and an appetite to learn!
Please note this course has an emphasis on the use of imagination and memory which can at times elicit difficult feelings for some.
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 Zuzanna Pedrasik