Fact sheet, Summer School 2026 Drawing Human Anatomy: A Visual Rhythm
About
Explore rhythm and movement in the human figure through observational drawing, focusing on balance, structure, gesture, and expressive form to strengthen both technique and imagination.
On this course, we will focus on constructing the overall balance of the figure while also considering the coordinated movements that define its rhythm. Initially, we will focus on the skeletal structure, using it to define the mass and shape of the figure. We will explore a combination of short and long poses, allowing us to explore the dynamics of spatial awareness afresh with each stance. As we progress, we will examine the interaction of larger shapes and planes, exploring the dynamics of muscle groups.
Drawing from within the figure requires a keen awareness of the body’s kinetic expression. The strengthening of hand-eye coordination through observational drawing and memory creates a foundation for creativity and freedom, underpinned by strong emotional conviction. By honing this sensitivity, we unlock the form’s expressive vitality, allowing us to interpret and visualize movement with greater imagination and clarity.
When
Monday 27 - 31 July 2026. 10am to 5pm.
Who
Location & timetable
Occasionally locations/meeting points may need to change so please check your emails the night before classes are due to take place and bring your mobile phone with you on the day so that the administrator can contact you if need be.
It is also very important that you arrive punctually (in time for the class to begin at 10am) for each class as the class will usually move away from the meeting point quite quickly at the beginning of the day.
Monday 27 July
Studio 12.
The Royal Drawing School, 19-22 Charlotte Road, Shoreditch, London, EC2A 3SG
Charlotte Road is a narrow street with three/four storey Victorian warehouses on each size. The School is marked on the outside of the building along with our sister charities.
Tuesday 28 July
Studio 12.
Wednesday 29 July
AM: V&A Museum. Please meet at 9:50 at the entrance of the V&A on Cromwell Road, ready to enter at 10am when the museum opens.
2pm: Natural History Museum - Enter via the main Cromwell Road Entrance. Access via the grounds from the corner of Cromwell and Exhibition Road or the subway from South Kensington tube. There will be a long queue and a shorter one for visitors with pre-booked tickets. Go through the main entrance and pass-through security to have your bags inspected.
Thursday 30 July
Studio 12.
Friday 31 July
Studio 12.
Materials
Charcoal, easels and drawing boards will be provided in the studio.
Paper
There will be newsprint and cartridge. You are welcome to bring alternative types of paper along with you.
Paper Fees: We charge a one-off fee for the use of our paper stock within the studios, prior to the start of your course. We are no longer taking payments for single sheets, on a pay-as-you-go system. Paper Stations will be set up around the studios to make accessibility easier.
Other materials
You are welcome to bring your own additional materials for personal use only, in the studio. Students are encouraged to bring a range of their preferred coloured and monochrome drawing materials (wet or dry). Our suggestions include:
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Pencils - H, HB, B, 2B, 4B, 8B
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Conté Crayons
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Pastels
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Ink Pens
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Coloured Pencils
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Putty and Hard Erasers
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Pencil Sharpener
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Sketchbook (A4 or A5)
Please note for Wednesday the following media is not permitted at the Natural History Museum: charcoal, crayons, coloured chalk, any manner of pens, watercolours, spray paints, adhesives, fixatives, other wet materials, or scissors or other sharp items. You are allowed to bring soft pencils or graphite sticks to the Natural History Museum.
Studio etiquette & facilities
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Please arrive promptly for every session. If you arrive late you may need to wait for a break until you are able to enter the studio. You will be able to arrive up to 15 minutes before the start of the session.
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To access the studios, please sign-in at reception by scanning the QR code sent to you before the course. Please remember to sign-out using the same QR code when leaving the premises.
- A health and safety talk is given at the start of each course.
- Studios have a strict no phone and no photography policy within our studios.
- There is step free access to the 4th floor studios.
What to expect
Students will have a one-hour lunch break each day. Students are encouraged to take a break outside of the studio, making sure they scan in and out of the studio with their QR code. There are many cafes, restaurants, and shops in the nearby area.
Hot and cold water stations will be available. Please bring your own reusable cups or water bottles, as disposable cups will not be available.
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.