Fact sheet, Autumn Term 2026 Life Drawing
About
The aim of this course is to use observational drawing practice in the life room to connect formal drawing concerns with expressive potential.
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. 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 with the model, how these skills can be used to build up larger compositions.
When
Wednesdays, 21 October to 18 November. 10am to 5pm.
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
Charcoal, easels and drawing boards will be provided in the studio.
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 welcome to bring their own materials for personal use and are encouraged to bring a range of their preferred coloured and monochrome drawing materials, wet or dry. Our suggestions are listed below.
Optional materials
- Drawing pencils: H, HB, 2B, and 4B
- Conté crayons
- Pastels
- Ink pens
- Coloured pencils
- Putty and hard erasers
- Pencil sharpener
- Sketchbook
- Watercolours or ink. If using these materials, please bring your own water pots and brushes.
- Bull-dog clips to attach paper to the drawing board.
Please note, sharp blades such as Stanley knives, Swiss pocket knives, and other carving tools are not permitted in the studios.
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.