FAQs Drawing Foundations

The Royal Drawing School is one of the few institutions in the world dedicated solely to the practice and teaching of drawing. Founded on the belief that drawing is fundamental to artistic development, it has become internationally recognised for its distinctive approach to teaching through observation, experimentation and the sharing of ideas between practising artists. 

This course reflects that philosophy. Rather than following a single method, you will learn from eight artists and tutors who teach at the school, each bringing their own perspective, process and visual language. Together, they demonstrate that there is no single "right" way to draw, only different ways of looking, questioning and making. 

Whether you are just beginning your creative journey or returning to drawing after time away, the course offers an introduction to the Royal Drawing School's unique approach and an opportunity to build a confident, sustainable drawing practice. 

This course welcomes artists, creatives and image-makers at every stage of their practice, including beginners. No prior experience is required, but this is not a step-by-step drawing course. Instead, it encourages you to develop your own way of seeing and making through observation, experimentation and regular practice. 

Yes. The course is delivered entirely online and can be accessed worldwide with an internet connection. 

No. Most exercises can be completed using everyday surroundings, objects, people, artworks and your own memories as starting points. You will also draw from clothed models featured in the videos. Some classes encourage you to work outdoors, but the activities can be adapted to suit your own environment. 

Yes. Select ‘Buy as a Gift’ and complete the checkout process. After purchasing the course, you can enter the giftee’s email address, add an optional personal message and send the gift invitation.

You can send the invitation immediately after checkout or return to your account and send it at a later date. The giftee will receive an email with instructions on how to access the course.

Drawing Foundations offers a strong introduction to the Royal Drawing School’s approach to teaching and learning through drawing and provides an excellent foundation for further study. 

If you would like to continue developing your practice, we invite you to explore the 350+ live courses available on our website, offered both online and in person.  

If you would like guidance on choosing the course that best suits your interests and experience, our team would be delighted to help.

Contact the Public Courses team.

Each of the eight tutors is a practising artist with a distinctive approach to drawing. Together, they reflect the Royal Drawing School's ethos of artists learning alongside artists. Rather than teaching a single method, the course offers a breadth of perspectives, inviting you to discover the approaches that resonate most with your own creative practice. 

Drawing Foundations is designed for independent, self-paced learning, allowing you to develop your practice in your own time. While there is no live feedback with this on-demand format, throughout the course, Dexter Orszagh acts as your guide, introducing each module, working through the exercises alongside you, and offering demonstrations and reflections that illuminate the different approaches of the eight tutors. His role is to accompany your learning, helping you engage with each artist's ideas while encouraging you to develop your own way of seeing and drawing. 

As part of the course, you also have the option to share your drawings and reflections on the community board, where you can view and respond to the work of fellow participants if you wish. 

As this is an on-demand course, it does not include live tuition or individual tutor feedback. If you are looking for real-time teaching and personalised feedback, the Royal Drawing School also offers a wide range of live online and in-person courses. 

A suggested materials list can be seen in this course prospectus page, with more detailed guidance within each class. Most exercises use accessible drawing materials such as pencils, charcoal, ink, paper and a sketchbook, along with a selection of coloured materials. 

The course is fully on demand, allowing you to study whenever it suits you. As a guide, many learners complete one class each week, spreading the eight classes across eight weeks while drawing part-time in the evenings or at weekends. Equally, you are free to move more quickly or more slowly. 

You will have one year of access to complete the course and revisit the materials whenever you wish. 

Each class combines artist-led films, demonstrations, conversations and practical drawing exercises. While the video content can be completed in a single sitting, many learners choose to spend additional time on the practical exercises and return to the lessons as their drawing practice develops. 

No. While the course is not formally accredited, you will receive a Royal Drawing School Certificate of Completion once you have successfully completed all modules. 

Please note that this is not a Foundation Year course or a qualification designed as preparation for an undergraduate arts degree. 

Yes. Once you have completed all eight classes, you will receive a Royal Drawing School Certificate of Completion.