Crafting the self-portrait
Weekend art making course
4 March 2023 10.30am - 5.30pm5 March 2023 10.30am - 5.30pm
The Clore Learning Centre, Burlington Gardens, Royal Academy of Arts
£480. Includes all materials, light refreshments and a wine reception at the end of day one.
Friends of the RA book first
Terms and conditions
Join artist Adebanji Alade for a weekend course exploring identity and expression through the self-portrait.
Please note: this is an on-site event only
Since early Antiquity, artists have explored their identity – both personal and artistic – through the form of the self-portrait. From Ancient Egyptian sculpture, to the paintings and prints produced by the prolific German Renaissance artist Albrecht Dürer, there is a long tradition of artists turning the lens on themselves as subject to create intimate and engaging work.
This weekend course will focus on the expressive self-portrait, beginning in charcoal and dry coloured media, and progressing to produce a portrait in oils on day two. Participants will look to the Royal Academy's Collection for inspiration, studying a range of historical and contemporary portraits from Angelica Kauffman RA and Sir Joshua Reynolds RA, to Ken Howard RA and Chantal Joffe RA, led by celebrated painter Adebanji Alade.
Adebanji Alade is an award-winning artist, otherwise known as the ADDICTIVE SKETCHER. He is a member of the Royal Institute of Oil Painters and The Chelsea Art Society, and was the BBC Artist in Residence for The One Show, BBC One. His works have been exhibited at the Mall Galleries, and he has taught numerous courses at The Art Academy and Heatherley’s School of Fine Art, Chelsea.
Minimum age 18. If you have any accessibility needs, please contact academic.programmes@royalacademy.org.uk.
£480. Includes all materials, light refreshments and a wine reception at the end of day one.
Friends of the RA book first
Terms and conditions
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 the Academic Programmes Team by emailing academic.programmes@royalacademy.org.uk
Related events
Short courseFreeThe Primary Art School
9 January - 12 June 2025
Short courseArt and conflict
1 February - 2 February 2025
Short courseModernism around the world
4 February - 11 March 2025
Short coursePortrait photography: ideas from modernism
15 February - 16 February 2025
Short courseThe Art of Carnival
1 March 2025
Short courseBotanical art
11 March - 8 April 2025
Short courseExploring ink: method and imagination
29 March - 30 March 2025
