Drawing the Renaissance nude
Four-week practical evening course
20 May 2019 6.30 - 9.30pm27 May 2019 6.30 - 9.30pm3 June 2019 6.30 - 9.30pm10 June 2019 6.30 - 9.30pm
The Clore Learning Centre, Burlington Gardens, Royal Academy of Arts
£420. Includes all materials, light refreshments and a drinks reception at the end of the final session.
The Renaissance Nude
Terms and conditions
To coincide with 'The Renaissance Nude' exhibition, this course explores approaches to drawing the figure, inspired by the ideas and techniques of Renaissance art.
The 15th and 16th centuries were a pivotal time for the nude in Western art. A renewed interested in ancient Greece and Rome brought the human body to the forefront of artistic innovation. Renaissance artists depended on both the life model and on their understanding of the idealised anatomy of classical sculpture to create groundbreaking images.
This course examines approaches that Renaissance artists used in drawing, from brief sketches to fully worked-up final pieces.
With an exclusive after-hours access to The Renaissance Nude, participants will take direct inspiration from the works in the exhibition. Working directly from both male and female life models, you'll create an array of life studies in different media, from charcoal sketches to the Italian tricolour approach.
Week one – Monday 20 May
Introduction to Renaissance drawings
Exclusive after-hours access to and drawing session in The Renaissance Nude
Rapid observational drawing from life
Week two – Monday 27 May
Proportion and measurement: using traditional techniques
Week three – Monday 3 June
Active poses and capturing suggested movement
Introducing the tricolour technique
Week four – Monday 10 June
Longer sustained poses
Combining materials and creating the figure’s environment
About the course
During this four-week course, poses from iconic images in The Renaissance Nude exhibition will be recreated from which to draw.
Participants will draw the model in a variety of short and long poses with traditional drawing tools of the Renaissance including red and black chalk.
Participants will learn how a drawing tool can dictate the mark and outcome of a finished piece.
The course will cover measurement, mark-making, composition and a focused exploration of Renaissance artists' work and methods.
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 painting but have an interest in the history, theory and practice of art more generally
• You have some prior knowledge of life drawing and would like to extend your skills in working from perception and direct observation
• You would like a new perspective in your approach to life drawing
• You would like to develop your skills and ideas within a small group in the Royal Academy’s new Clore Learning Centre
Minimum age 18
The number of participants is strictly limited to enable detailed feedback from the course tutor.
£420
Monday 20 May – Monday 10 June 2019
6.30pm-9.30pm for each session
• A practical introduction to the The Renaissance Nude exhibition
• The opportunity to work from both male and female professional life models throughout the course
• All specialist practical art materials
• Course learning materials and hand-outs
• Refreshments provided during each session
• A drinks reception at the end of the final session
• A certificate of participation upon course completion
About the tutor
Alison Kusner
Alison Kusner is a practising artist specialising in painting. She studied at Central Saint Martins, followed by Middlesex University, before undertaking a Postgraduate Certificate at Goldsmiths University. Her passion as an artist fuels her commitment to teaching.
Alison has exhibited in several solo and group shows, including at Lauderdale House, KT’s Gallery, Cottons, Kalender and the National Portrait Gallery, as well as curating exhibitions for Merton and the Woodlands Gallery. She has been commissioned to paint backdrops for films, produce book covers and portraits and has featured on BBC Radio 4 speaking about history and portraits.
Alison is a highly experienced artist and tutor, working with collections as well as special exhibitions and runs practical workshops in still life, portraits, landscape and life drawing.
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