Painting stories summer school
Art making summer school
6 June 2023 10.30am - 5.30pm7 June 2023 10.30am - 5.30pm8 June 2023 10.30am - 5.30pm9 June 2023 10.30am - 5.30pm10 June 2023 10.30am - 5.30pm
Clore Learning Centre | Burlington Gardens
£1,900. Includes all materials, light refreshments each day and drinks receptions throughout the week.
Friends of the RA book first
Follow in the footsteps of renowned artist Paula Rego, and work from theatrical sets and costumed models to develop a composition that tells a story.
Join painter and figurative artist Andy Pankhurst for a dynamic five-day painting course, learning to create theatrical compositions from life.
Inspired by the methods of Dame Paula Rego RA (1935-2022), during this summer school, participants work with professional models dressed in costume and set within a series of imaginative and changing sets. Develop your compositional language by orchestrating the movement, gesture, colour and symbolism of your subject, focusing on the creative process involved in producing a finished narrative painting.
Throughout the course, participants experiment with a range of painting materials, from chalk pastels (a favourite medium of Rego’s), to acrylic and oil paints. Alongside, through a series of visits, discussions and invited guest speakers, participants learn about the theories behind composition by considering art historical practices and trends.
The course covers:
• How to design and create engaging compositions
• Study compositions throughout art history, from 18th century artist William Hogarth to Michael Armitage RA
• Work from live models
• Layer narrative and symbolism into a painting
• Develop skills in chalk pastels, acrylic and oil paints
Course tutor Andy Pankhurst, a graduate of the Slade School, is represented by and exhibits with the London gallery, Browse & Darby. A long-standing tutor on the RA’s Courses and Classes programme, Andy is also co-author of the book What Makes Great Art, published in 2012 by Apple Press.
Minimum age 18. If you have any accessibility needs, please contact public.programmes@royalacademy.org.uk.
£1,900. Includes all materials, light refreshments each day and drinks receptions throughout the week.
Friends of the RA book first
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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