Life drawing summer school
Art making summer school
6 September 2022 10.30am - 5.30pm7 September 2022 10.30am - 5.30pm8 September 2022 10.30am - 5.30pm9 September 2022 10.30am - 5.30pm10 September 2022 10.30am - 5.30pm
The Clore Learning Centre, Burlington Gardens, Royal Academy of Arts
£1,900. Includes all materials, light refreshments each day and drinks receptions throughout the week.
Friends of the RA book first
Terms and conditions
Join us for a dynamic week-long course to discover the art and science of anatomical drawing.
This five-day practical course will give you the chance to examine each layer of the human anatomy; from the skeletal system to the musculature that provides us with movement and life. The course is led by acclaimed artist Adele Wagstaff. Participants will also receive guidance from the Royal Academy’s Anatomy Professor, Roger Kneebone, and will participate in a curated programme of lectures from leading art-world and medical experts, as well as exclusive visits.
Working with professional life models, the course will take you through the stages of anatomical drawing; from weighting the body, to observing movements and facial anatomy, bringing emotion and life to your artwork. By studying in a fully equipped art studio, you will learn how artists’ materials such as chalk, pastel and ink can be manipulated to mimic the appearance of the body, using techniques both traditional and modern.
Great artists of the past and present, from Leonardo da Vinci to Stephen Farthing RA, have studied the body through an in-depth knowledge of anatomy. At the end of this course, you’ll have a deeper understanding of the body’s interior, which will, in turn, strengthen the skills needed for successful life drawing and portraiture.
Adele Wagstaff has been shortlisted for the Jerwood Drawing Prize and the BP Portrait Award, and her work has been exhibited in the National Portrait Gallery, Royal West of England Academy and the Canadian Portrait Academy. Following her graduation from the Slade School of Art, where she focused on working from the nude in sustained poses, her practice continues to look at the human figure and still life.
Professor Roger Kneebone is a clinician and educationalist whose multidisciplinary research builds on his experience in surgery and general practice, as well as his interests and expertise beyond medicine. He is passionate about engagement in bridging the worlds of clinical practice, biomedical science, patients and society. He leads the Imperial College Centre for Engagement and Simulation Science and the Royal College of Music x Imperial Centre for Performance Science, and is Professor of Anatomy at the Royal Academy of Arts.
Covid-19 update: We are looking forward to welcoming you back in a way that ensures everyone's safety. Numbers will be limited to allow for social distancing, and we will be following the latest government guidelines. In the event of another national lockdown or enforced closure, we reserve the right to move this event online or to a future date. If you have any questions or concerns, or would like to discuss any accessibility needs, please contact academic.programmes@royalacademy.org.uk.
Minimum age 18.
£1,900. Includes all materials, light refreshments each day and drinks receptions throughout the week.
Friends of the RA book first
Terms and conditions
Our courses and classes programme
Our programme of short courses and classes offers the opportunity to explore a range of subjects, led by expert tutors and practising artists.
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 the Academic Programmes Team by emailing academic.programmes@royalacademy.org.uk.
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