Drawing the animal form: anatomy of the horse
Weekend-long practical course
18 May 2019 10.30am - 5.30pm19 May 2019 10.30am - 5.30pm
The Life Room, Royal Academy Schools
£420. Includes all materials, light refreshments and a wine reception at the end of day one.
Terms and conditions
Artist, writer and broadcaster Dr Sarah Simblet will lead a detailed and artistic examination of the horse. Join us for a practical course studying works from the RA’s historic teaching collection, as well as a recently reconstructed horse skeleton, to create compelling works and explore this complex subject matter.
For this intensive weekend drawing course, a complete and fully articulated skeleton of a horse will stand illuminated at the centre of the RA's historic Life Room, alongside the Life Room's famous cast of a horse presented to the Academy in 1919 by W.F. Calderon. To enable anatomical comparisons, there will also be a human skeleton available and a collection of individual human and animal bones from the tutor's private collection, from which to work.
Through both lectures and drawing sessions, artist Sarah Simblet leads the process of seeing and understanding the exterior form and inner beauty of the horse, with comparisons to the human body to help our understanding. Participants draw from bones, plaster casts and great works of equestrian art held in the RA's collection. The course includes a visit to the RA Library to be inspired by historical prints and drawings, especially the work of George Stubbs for his 1766 publication The Anatomy of the Horse.
The course includes a guided sculpture tour and sketch walk through Mayfair. Explore Royal Academician Dame Elisabeth Frink’s Horse & Rider and Nic Fiddian-Green's iconic large-scale horse head Still Water at Marble Arch for an increased understanding of artistic interpretations of the anatomy of the horse.
Over the course of the weekend, participants build up a volume of expressive and analytical drawings in a range of media, developing observational skills and knowledge of the intricate anatomy of the horse. The course provides a remarkable opportunity to engage with the animal world and understand anatomy and its use in art and by artists in a novel and exciting way.
The course is complementary to the history and theory course: The Horse: Empire, Modernity and Modern Art from George Stubbs to Mark Wallinger.
The horse: empire, modernity and modern art
This weekend course explores the remarkably different roles played by the horse in sporting art, the equestrian monument and modern art. Join art historian, Dr Nicholas Watkins, and expert guest lecturers including the President of the Royal Academy and Director of the National Horseracing Museum.
About the course
This two-day intensive anatomical drawing course with artist and writer Dr Sarah Simblet will be held in the historic Life Room of the RA Schools.
Practical drawing sessions using imagery and skeletons will be combined with short anatomical demonstrations focused upon bone and muscle, contributing to surface form.
Participants are advised to bring something to carry their work home in, as there are no storage facilities available.
This course is suitable for all levels.
This course is for you if:
• You have no prior experience of life drawing but an interest in the history, theory and practice of art more widely
• You have some prior knowledge of drawing and/or painting and would like to extend your skills in the practice of working from both perception and direct observation
• You would like a new perspective in your approach to life drawing, specifically anatomical drawing
• You are interested in the study and depiction of animals and would like to learn more about their anatomy
• You would like the opportunity to develop your skills and ideas in a small group setting in the historical setting of the RA’s Life Room
Minimum age 18
The number of participants is strictly limited to enable detailed feedback from the course tutor.
£420
Saturday 18 – Sunday 19 May 2019
10.30am-5.30pm both days
Includes:
• An introduction to the Academy with particular reference to relevant works in the Collection
• Exclusive access to the RA Schools' historic Life Room
• All specialist practical materials
• Refreshments provided on both days
• A drinks reception at the end of the first day
• A certificate of participation upon course completion
About the tutor
Sarah Simblet
Dr Sarah Simblet is a fine artist, writer, broadcaster and anatomist, whose work explores the relationship between science, history and art. The author of Anatomy for the Artist (2001), The Drawing Book (2005), Botany for the Artist (2010) and co-author of The New Sylva (2014), Sarah is dedicated to sharing and encouraging visual intelligence in others through her drawings, teaching and broadcasting worldwide. She is also the Tutor in Anatomy at the Ruskin School of Art (BFA).
About the space
The Life Room
The Royal Academy’s historic Life Room sits at the heart of the RA Schools. Usually closed to the public, this unique and significant space was designed in the 1860s, when the galleries and art school first moved to Burlington Gardens.
The semi-circular seating arrangement, based on an ancient design, traces its British history back to Hogarth’s Academy in St Martin’s Lane, c.1730. Directional light is used to enhance the delineation of the model’s musculature and aid life drawing, which has been practised in this room by generations of Royal Academy artists and students.
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 contact Anna Pojer, Academic Programmes Manager, by calling 020 7300 5684 or email anna.pojer@royalacademy.org.uk