Transforming Observation: Memory and Imagination
Through drawing, the ordinary can become extraordinary. The more we look, the more everything reveals itself to us as unexpected; even the laces on a pair of boots, in the madness of their loops. This course will present playful and surprising encounters to enliven the way we draw. For some artists, the vital spark in their drawing comes from the tenderness of attention in sustained observation, such as the way in which Morandi transformed tin jugs into rhapsodies of matter, air and light. Whereas for others it comes from a strength of internal vision that transports the close at hand to another imaginative realm, like in Goya’s ‘The Witches’, where observations of his own aging body were turned into scenes of comic terror. Mythical paintings have often been put together in the prosaic surroundings of artists’ workshops. We can often see the faces of everyday people brought in to stand for characters like Mary Magdalene, and the settings tend to mirror the landscapes surrounding the artists who painted them. This course encourages a playful approach to working in the life room and will offer strategies for developing meaningful images from subjects in our everyday lives. Students will combine observation of the model with props, projections, backdrops, sound and touch to create something with personal meaning. This could mean dissolving the walls of the life room altogether and placing the model in some remembered or imagined setting, or it could simply be the search for something expressive in the depiction of the figure. We will encourage one another to take creative risks and open new approaches to our drawing. Open to all levels, including beginners.
Please note this course has an emphasis on the use of imagination and memory which can at times elicit difficult feelings for some.
Free charcoal, newsprint and masking tape are provided in the Studios. There is an added paper fee for the use of cartridge and watercolour paper throughout the course.
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 Sophie Charlambous