Drawing in context, Galleries and Museums AM (Aged 15–18)

This course is designed to give young artists the opportunity to explore traditional and contemporary gallery and museum spaces in Central London and develop a regular out of the studio drawing practice.
  • Drawing from Art
  • Drawing Open Space
Drawing in context, Galleries and Museums AM (Aged 15–18) Image

Course details

Dates

Saturdays
24 Jan – 28 Mar 2026

Times

11:00 – 13:00

Duration

10 sessions

Fees

£245.00 Concessions available

Location

Museums & galleries

Overview

We still have a small number of places left on this course for the Spring Term. If you would like to join this course please email the Young Artist Team.

 Visiting museums, engaging with cultural spaces, and drawing in galleries is an integral part of the artistic experience. This course will encourage students to consistently engage with, reflect upon, and find inspiration in spaces outside the studio. 
Taught by practicing artists, the course leads students through a range of observational drawing exercises to create a high-quality portfolio and regular sketchbook practice. Students will learn skills that allow them to explore their creativity outside the curriculum while supporting their progress in arts education. 
Young artists will be exposed to a wide range of artistic techniques throughout the course including styles, and perspectives essential to their personal drawing practice. They will build their critical thinking skills and knowledge of the arts landscape. Students will study from a range of resources including drawing, sculpture, painting, architecture, and historical collections. They will engage with works through drawing and discussion to broaden their contextual knowledge whilst making images. 
Each week the group will meet at a new location. The schedule will include spaces such as the Victoria & Albert Museum, The Wallace Collection, Tate Modern, The National Gallery, and The British Museum. Additionally, a selection of contemporary spaces such as Hauser & Wirth, Victoria Miro, Serpentine Gallery, and Gagosian will be included based on exhibition programmes.
Students will also have the opportunity to explore the practice of drawing outside with visits to London’s various parks and outdoor spaces. As such, all locations will be in Zones 1 and 2. A full schedule will be issued in advance. 
Current Schedule:
Week 1: Museum of Home.
Week 2: Barbican.
Weeks 3: Tate Britain.
Week 4: National Gallery.
Week 5: National Gallery.
Week 6: V&A South Kensington.
Week 7: Deptford Market.
Week 8: The Hunterian Museum.
Week 9: The Courtauld Gallery.
Week 10: Hauser & Wirth.
*Schedule subject to change.
Who is it for

Students aged 15 – 18 (in school years 10 – 13) who have a passion for drawing and a desire to improve their skills.

We’re committed to making our courses accessible to all young people with a passion and talent for drawing. 50% and 100% means-tested scholarships are available for each course. Read more about scholarships on the Young Artists page. 

What’s provided

All materials for classes are supplied.

What to bring

Please wear suitable clothes for art making.

Scholarships

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.

Tutors

Nathalie Hollis loading=
Nathalie Hollis

Young Artists tutor, Drawing Year Alumna, 2020

Luca Guarino loading=
Luca Guarino

Young Artists tutor, Drawing Year Alumnus, 2022