Fact sheet, Autumn Term 2026 Drawing at the National Gallery (Drop-in)
When
Fridays. 18 September to 20 November. 6pm to 8.30pm.
Where
The National Gallery, Trafalgar Square, London WC2N 5D
Who
About
This course gives London art students registered on a full-time BA Fine Art or Foundation programme the opportunity for free, regular tutored drawing in The National Gallery.
This course is structured to complement the Free Life Drawing for Art Students in Shoreditch on Monday evenings. With the complementary activities of drawing from life and from paintings, students develop their work.
Please bring student ID as proof of status, to claim free status.
Location & timetable
Room 9, The National Gallery, at 6pm.
Materials
The following materials are not allowed in the National Gallery:
- Charcoal
- Watercolour
- Chalk
- Pastels
-
Large bags. Please read the National Gallery's Admission Policy for more information.
Students are permitted to bring:
- Charcoal pencils
- Aquarelle crayons or pencils
- Pens
- Biros
- Felt tips
- Graphite
Past students have used Pentel water brushes with aquarelles with good effect.
Students must bring:
- A3 or A4 drawing pad or;
- Sheets of paper on a board of their preferred size
Coloured toned paper will allow students to use white pigments, which can be an excellent approach to explore.
Optional materials:
- A portable stool. These are useful and can be bought from the Cass Art shop, in Charing Cross Road from around £10. There are a limited number of stools available from the National Gallery main entrance desks.
Contact
If you are unable to attend a class or know that you will be delayed, please email admin@royaldrawingschool.org or call 020 7613 8568 (option 1) in as far advance as possible.