The body in focus
Online art making course
14 March 2023 6.30 - 9pm21 March 2023 6.30 - 9pm28 March 2023 6.30 - 9pm4 April 2023 6.30 - 9pm11 April 2023 6.30 - 9pm
Online
£225
Friends of the RA book first
Supported by Bloomberg Philanthropies' Digital Accelerator Programme
Terms and conditions
Join artist Adele Wagstaff for a five-week online drawing course that puts the human body in focus using state-of-the-art digital equipment.
Over the course of five weeks, online course participants learn the art of life drawing through a series of short and long poses with a range of professional life models. Enhanced by artist Adele and our state-of the-art digital resources, each week of this life drawing course focuses on a different part of the body, allowing participants a close examination of the human body and its anatomy.
Figure drawing has been integral to traditional artistic practice since the Renaissance. In addition to full-bodied figure drawing, artists like Albrecht Dürer, George Frederic Watts RA, and Paula Modersohn-Becker have perfected their understanding of the human body through drawing studies of different body parts, from legs, to hands, to heads.
From ancient to modern, various art historical contexts for figure drawing will be examined throughout the course, and each week a simple take-away challenge or learning activity will be set to support and expand the following week’s activities. Every session includes an interactive feedback session with Adele using online art sharing platform, Padlet, as well as smaller group critiques. Materials are not provided, but participants will receive a recommended materials list with a range of materials in mind.
Week 1: Introduction to life drawing and the body, focus on the torso
Week 2: Anatomy of the head, neck, and shoulders
Week 3: Upper limbs - arms and hands
Week 4: Lower limbs - legs and feet
Week 5: Putting the full figure back in focus
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.
Minimum age 18. If you have any accessibility needs, please contact public.programmes@royalacademy.org.uk.
£225
Friends of the RA book first
Supported by Bloomberg Philanthropies' Digital Accelerator Programme
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 courseWorld of prints: Woolwich Contemporary Print Fair
23 November 2024
Short courseSilverpoint drawing
23 November - 24 November 2024
Short courseMaking mosaics
30 November - 1 December 2024
Short courseThe art of the Italian Renaissance
30 November - 1 December 2024
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
