Drawing from the National Gallery
The National Gallery is one of the world’s finest collections of European painting, spanning the 13th to 20th centuries. This course is an opportunity to make an intensive study of particular artists, paintings, periods, and themes across the collection. The National Gallery has an extraordinarily efficient and comprehensive website which offers a detailed overview of each room and all individual works on display in the highest definition. We will examine specific aspects such as the compositional structure, the use of colour and tone to create form and spatial effects as well as the rich narratives and symbolic elements. This is not a course in copying but rather transcription; translating what you observe into your own drawing. The two tutors will each bring their individual approach and students will be encouraged to develop their own interpretations and extend these into their practice. Before each session tutors will send you a brief précis of the themes, artists’ paintings to be studied and sometimes specific materials for you to prepare. From these paintings you will be asked to choose a number to work from. Throughout the day there will be opportunities to hold conversations with the tutor before and after the one-hour lunch break. At the close of the day there will be an open plenary session to share the drawings done and discuss our responses to them and the paintings. All levels of experience are welcome.
NHS staff receive a 20% discount; to apply participants must submit proof by emailing a photograph of their NHS staff badge to admin@royaldrawingschool.org before booking a course.
Full-time BA students studying for a degree in Fine Art receive up to a 75% discount. Those studying on design or applied arts degrees may also be eligible on a case-by-case basis. Student ID and proof of enrolment must be submitted. Please email a picture of your student ID to admin@royaldrawingschool.org and wait to receive confirmation that your concession has been approved before booking.
Primary and secondary school teachers who teach art receive a 50% discount; to apply participants must submit proof in the form of a letter from their head teacher or the head of the art department. Please e-mail a scan of this letter to admin@royaldrawingschool.org and wait to receive confirmation that your concession has been approved before booking.
Individuals on job seekers allowance receive a 50% discount; to apply participants must provide evidence that you're receiving Jobseeker’s Allowance. Just provide a recent letter from JobCentre Plus/DWP confirming you're in receipt of this benefit. Unfortunately, we cannot accept Jobseeker’s Allowance appointment booklets as valid evidence. You may also apply if you receive Universal Credit under the conditions of being out of work. Please send a copy of your proof/official letter to admin@royaldrawingschool.org and and wait to receive confirmation that your concession has been approved before booking.
Individuals who receive disability support are eligible for a 50% discount; to apply participants must submit proof that they are currently receiving this allowance. Please email a scan of your letter to admin@royaldrawingschool.org and wait to receive confirmation that your concession has been approved before booking.
Tower Hamlet and Hackney residents are eligible for a 25% discount on courses at Shoreditch; to apply participants must show proof of living in these boroughs in the form of your most recent council tax bill. Please email a scan of your letter to admin@royaldrawingschool.org and wait to receive confirmation that your concession has been approved before booking.
Tower Hamlet and Hackney businesses are eligible for a 25% discount on courses at Shoreditch during the Autumn Term; to apply participants must show proof of working in these boroughs in the form a staff ID, business card, or headed letter from your line manager. Please email a scan of your proof to admin@royaldrawingschool.org and wait to receive confirmation that your concession has been approved before booking.
Individuals over the age of 60 may apply for a 10% discount on courses at Shoreditch; to apply participants must show proof of being over 60. Please email a picture of your ID to admin@royaldrawingschool.org and wait to receive confirmation that your concession has been approved before booking.
Alumni of the Royal Drawing School's Postgraduate programme and Foundation Year receive a 50% discount on courses
Alumni of the Online Drawing Development Year receive a 50% discount on online short courses.
To apply for a concession:
- first submit any documents/proof pertaining to the concession you are applying for, to admin@royaldrawingschool.org.
- wait for an email confirming your concession has been approved before booking and paying for your course.
Please check that your evidence:
- is dated within the last 6 months from the start date of your course, or within the last year if pertaining to council tax.
- shows your name as a claimant
- is presented to us in one of the following formats: PDF, JPG, .DOC or .DOCX
All of our course rates are subsidised and we also offer a comprehensive concessions scheme. View all course fees and concessions.
Featured image by Peter Wenman