Life Drawing

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Image making throughout art history from ancient times to modernism has been a process of gathering observed raw material from many different sources and then making visual collages with that material. Having a sound knowledge of the formal elements of picture making makes for more intentional decisions when embarking upon this journey. The aim of this course is to use observational drawing practice in the life room to connect formal drawing concerns with expressive potential. There are no right or wrong ways to this, just individual resolutions that inform the creation of your own unique visual language and style.

Each week we will concentrate on a different aspect of picture making; line and structure, tone and colour and the building of illusionistic space using perspective, scale, point of view, and focus within the image. We will investigate through life room set ups, how these skills can be used to build up larger compositions.

Free charcoal, newsprint and masking tape are provided in the Studios. There is an added paper fee for the use of cartridge paper 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.

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.

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.

Postgraduate and Foundation Year alumni of the Royal Drawing School receive a 50% discount. 

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.

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.

Tower Hamlet and Hackney businesses are eligible for a 25% discount on courses at Shoreditch; 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.

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.

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 Leggy Gordon