, Figure drawing in the RA Schools Life Room

Short course

Life drawing and experimentation: beyond the Academy

Weekend art making course

16 September 2023 10.30am - 5.30pm17 September 2023 10.30am - 5.30pm

Clore Learning Centre | Burlington Gardens

£420. Includes all materials, light refreshments and a wine reception at the end of day one.

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Enjoy a weekend of behind-the-scenes access and learn to draw from life at the Royal Academy.

Life drawing has a storied history at the Royal Academy. From founding Royal Academicians like Benjamin West PRA (1738 - 1820), to our current Royal Academicians such as Jenny Saville RA, art made at the RA and by Royal Academicians has expanded the tradition of figure drawing. Work is also being done to uncover the stories of the people who modelled at the RA, such as iconic life model and muse for the Pre-Raphaelites, Fanny Eaton.

In this course, you will learn the range of artistic possibilities that figure drawing offers, starting from tradition and the canon, and developing beyond, to include the diversity that is present today. Artist Shannon Bono leads you through drawing exercises from both life models and from our traditional casts that have been used by Royal Academy School students for centuries. Throughout this course you will learn foundational figure drawing skills and more creative ways of considering the human body. Your drawings are complemented by visits behind the scenes at the RA – to the library and archive to look at figure drawings from the RA’s collection.

Shannon Bono is an artist and professor who received her MA in Art & Science from Central Saint Martins University and her Associate Fellowship in higher education from the University of the Arts London and has shown her work in the UK and internationally. With a background in art and science, Shannon’s practice uses the anatomy as a second canvas in the foreground of her works, she views the body as a powerful signifier that provokes dialogue, playing with pose, gesture and the gaze to challenge reality.

Minimum age 18. If you have any access requirements that you’d like to discuss, please contact public.programmes@royalacademy.org.uk.

Terms and conditions

£420. Includes all materials, light refreshments and a wine reception at the end of day one.

Sold out

Friends of the RA book first

Join now

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.

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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 Public Programmes Team by emailing public.programmes@royalacademy.org.uk