Fact sheet, Autumn Term 2026 Portraits: Drawing & Monotype
About
The unique process of monotype printing embraces aspects of both drawing and painting, which students will have the chance to explore whilst working from the model.
Incorporating the bold and the subtle with a very particular surface texture, the monotype presents its own challenges.
This course will offer student the chance to work directly from the model and make explorative prints using the press in situ. The evocative nature of portraits and print processes provide us with endless possibilities.
Observation from life creates an opportunity to study qualities of light, space, and form, examining how these might be best expressed within printing. Looking, planning, and making, combined with spontaneity, risk, and chance, gives way to wonderful and often unexpected images. These can be an end in themselves or informative for other personal art practices.
Every class will begin with drawing studies, which will then lead into and aid printmaking. Each print will be a one-off and building up images with layers will be encouraged.
When
Wednesdays, 16 September to 18 November. 6.30pm to 9pm.
Who
Where & how to find us
Studio 1.
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.
Tube
The nearest underground station is Old Street (Northern Line City Branch). The School is a five-minute walk away. The School is a ten-minute walk or a five-minute taxi or bus ride from Liverpool Street (Central, District, Circle, Metropolitan, Elizabeth and Hammersmith and City lines).
Train
The nearest mainline station is Liverpool Street. Kings Cross and Euston are 2 and 3 stops away on Northern line. There are also overland trains to Old Street and Moorgate, both within walking distance.
Bus
26, 35, 48, 149 and 242 run along Shoreditch High Street. Buses 43, 76, 141, 214 and 271 run along City Road south of Old Street. Buses 55 and 243 run along Old Street.
Bicycle
There are no places for bicycle parking immediately outside the building. There are racks further up Charlotte Rd, on Old Street, the top of Curtain Road and people also use Hoxton Square. It is advisable not to leave anything easily detachable or overnight. There are Barclays Cycle Hire docking stations on Shoreditch High Street at the corner of Rivington Street.
Car or Taxi
Car parking is extremely limited, so we recommend using public transport where possible. There are a small number of Blue Badge parking spaces available on Shoreditch High Street. After 5.30pm and on Saturdays street parking is free off Shoreditch High Street near Arnold Circus. Please note, Charlotte Road and Rivington Street are in the Ultra Low Emission Zone, meaning Petrol, diesel or older hybrid vehicles which aren’t registered for an exemption aren’t permitted to enter the streets during the operating times (Monday to Friday, 7-10am and 4-7pm).
It is easy to flag a taxi at either end of Charlotte Road throughout the day and in the evening.
Materials
- Easels, drawing boards, and charcoal are provided for free in the studios.
- Paper
There will be newsprint and cartridge paper in the studios. You are welcome to bring alternative types of paper along with you.
Students are encouraged to bring a range of their preferred coloured and monochrome drawing materials (wet or dry) along for their personal use. We recommend:
- Drawing pencils: H, HB, 2B, and 4B
- Conté crayons
- Pastels
- Ink pens, ink, or watercolours. Please also bring water pots and brushes as containers will not be available.
- Coloured pencils
- Putty and hard erasers
- Pencil sharpener
- Sketchbook (A4 or A5)
- Bull dog clips or masking tape to attach paper to their drawing board
You may like to bring a selection of your own cheap paintbrushes in range of sizes, and a variety of tools to make marks with (things like: chopstick, eyebrow brush, sponge, feather)
Students are welcome to bring their own additional materials that fall outside of this list for personal use.
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.
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Please note, the 4th floor studios have step-free access.
- 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.
- Sharp blades such as Stanley knives, Swiss pocket knives, and other carving tools are not permitted in studios.
- There is step free access to the 4th floor studios.
What to expect
There will be breaks throughout the evening.
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.