Figure in context: a mixed media approach
Weekend-long practical course
29 February 2020 10.30am - 5.30pm1 March 2020 10.30am - 5.30pm
The Life Room, Royal Academy Schools
£480. Includes all materials, light refreshments and a wine reception at the end of day one.
Picasso and Paper
Terms and conditions
Join us for a weekend-long life drawing course in the RA’s historic Life Room to explore how mixed media can enhance your depictions of the human form.
In Latin, the root of context is contexere, meaning to weave or join together. In a similar way, over the course of the weekend, participants will see how they can join together all the elements of their work, from the life model and the setting of the Life Room, to playing with light, shape and form.
Using a variety of wet and dry media including collage, ink, wash and charcoal, this course will look at how context is key to establishing both composition and narrative in a given image.
Beginning with a short introductory lecture by course leader Mick Kirkbride, this comprehensive workshop offers both a theoretical and practical grounding to improve your drawing skills with mixed media, while considering how this approach offers up new opportunities to look at drawing in terms of colour, tone, line and texture.
The course requires an open-minded approach and a willingness to speculate and explore. It is suitable for those who wish to extend their visual language, using a range of mark-making strategies, and challenging preconceptions.
Participants are advised to bring something to carry their work home in, as there are no storage facilities available.
Minimum age 18. If you have any accessibility needs, please contact academicprogrammes@royalacademy.org.uk.
About the tutor
Mick Kirkbride
Painter and teacher Mick Kirkbride is a graduate of the Royal Academy Schools. For many years he was Senior Lecturer in Visual Studies at the London College of Fashion, University of the Arts London. In 2004 he was elected a member of The New English Art Club, becoming the curator of its education programme in 2014. Mick has taught drawing at all levels, most recently as drawing tutor on a range of post-graduate specialisms at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA). For the past two years he has led a series of life drawing sessions for Friends of the RA based in the Keeper’s House.
Mick’s own paintings seek to make visible narratives that exist in the mind’s eye. His inventions are always underpinned by observational drawing, with the human figure as the key structural motif.
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 calling 020 7300 5641 or email academicprogrammes@royalacademy.org.uk