Drawing the self-portrait
Weekend-long practical course
2 November 2019 10.30am - 5.30pm3 November 2019 10.30am - 5.30pm
The Life Room, Royal Academy Schools
£420. Includes all materials, light refreshments and a drinks reception at the end of the first day.
Lucian Freud: The Self-portraits
Considering the space between emotional subjectivity and objective appearance, this weekend course will allow you to delve deep into the genre of self-portraiture.
During this two-day drawing workshop set in the historic Life Room of the Royal Academy, participants will work with a life model and, using a range of mirrors, make a series of drawings that explore the depiction of the self and in relation to the model. This workshop will explore drawing from observation with two subjects: the life model, and yourself, as observed participants in the same room.
Throughout the course you will produce a sequence of drawings that explore how pose, gesture and mark-making can be used to depict a figure or character, as well as to depict expression through observational drawing. Contrasting the two subjects of the model and yourself as the artist, we will consider the nature of depiction and our own objective and subjective realities, questioning not just the appearance but also the emotional aspects that can be conveyed.
Using Lucian Freud and other artists’ self-portraits as a starting point, we will explore how to define the space between inner emotional experiences and the understanding and attributes of physical semblance and resemblance. You will have the opportunity to experiment with the full range of the provided materials: using a combination of pencils, charcoal, conte, inks and pastels to construct an intimate and characteristic self-portrait. The course coincides with the remarkable exhibition Lucian Freud: The Self-portraits which includes more than 50 works over seven decades exploring self-portraiture by the modern master.
£420. Includes all materials, light refreshments and a drinks reception at the end of the first day.
Lucian Freud: The Self-portraits
About the course
During this two-day course, themes and techniques from the Lucian Freud exhibition will be explored to create a sequence of drawings in the RA's Life Room, under the guidance of artist Anita Taylor. Through a series of mirrors placed around the room, participants will be encouraged to incorporate not only the life model into their works but also themselves as they appear in the reflections, and considering the emotional aspects that can be conveyed.
There will be opportunity for informal discussion and one-to-one feedback with the tutor throughout the weekend.
Participants are advised to bring something to carry their work home in, as there are no storage facilities available.
This course is suitable for all levels.
This course is for you if:
• You have no prior experience of self-portrait drawing but have an interest in the history, theory and practice of art more generally
• You have some prior knowledge of drawing the human form and would like to extend your skills in working from perception and direct observation
• You would like a new perspective in your approach to drawing
• You would like to develop your skills and ideas within a small group in the Royal Academy’s historic Life Room
Minimum age 18
Please let us know if you have any accessibility needs.
The number of participants is strictly limited to enable detailed feedback from the course tutor.
£420
Saturday 2nd - Sunday 3rd November 2019
10:30am - 5:30pm each day
• A practical introduction to the Lucian Freud: The Self-portraits exhibition
• All specialist practical art materials
• Course learning materials and hand-outs
• Refreshments provided during each session
• A drinks reception at the end of the first day
• A certificate of participation upon course completion
About the tutor
Anita Taylor
Professor Anita Taylor is a practising artist, exhibition organiser, published writer and Executive Dean of Bath School of Art and Design. Anita studied Foundation in Art and Design at Mid-Cheshire College of Art (1980-81), followed by a BA (Hons) Fine Art Painting at Gloucestershire College of Art (1981-84) and an MA in Painting at the Royal College of Art (1985-87). She was Artist-in-Residence at Durham Cathedral (1987-88); Cheltenham Fellow in Painting (1988-89), and Artist-in-Residence at the National Art School Sydney with the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (2004). She is currently an Adjunct Professor of the University of Sydney affiliated to Sydney College of the Arts.
Anita's work is held in public collections, including the Victoria & Albert Museum and the Jerwood Foundation. She has staged many solo exhibitions, including at the Young Gallery, The Customs House, and The Drawing Room, Sydney. She has written for The Guardian/Observer, Craft Arts International, Guardian Culture Professionals Network, and Garageland.
Our courses and classes programme
Our varied programme of short courses and classes provides an opportunity to explore subjects ranging from life drawing to the history of exhibitions and arts management, led by expert tutors and practising artists. These courses introduce traditional art-making processes, as well as perspectives on art history, theory and business.
Give this course as a gift
All of our courses can be purchased as a gift for a friend or family member – giving the gift of education and a remarkable experience. To arrange a personalised Gift Voucher, please contact Anna Pojer, Academic Programmes Manager, by calling 020 7300 5684 or email anna.pojer@royalacademy.org.uk
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