Life drawing to abstraction
Weekend-long practical course
28 September 2019 10.30am - 5.30pm29 September 2019 10.30am - 5.30pm
The Clore Learning Centre, Burlington Gardens, Royal Academy of Arts
£480. Includes all materials, light refreshments and a wine reception at the end of day one.
Terms and conditions
In this course you'll learn how to create abstract paintings through a series of live demonstrations and practical exercises, guiding you through each stage from simple drawing to ambitious composition.
Taking inspiration from the life model, this course begins with drawing as the starting point for the creative journey. Quick sketches in charcoal and pencil are used to explore line, movement and composition. The emphasis is on personal creative experimentation, development and expression through interpretation of the figure. The body is treated as a vehicle for ideas, where we can explore and experiment with visual forms and concepts enabling the space to find our own techniques and methods of working.
With reference to the life model, you will be guided by the tutor to discover new directions in your own work, to learn to think in colour and use chance encounters to create opportunities. You will be encouraged to re-imagine your drawings, using simple techniques and exercises designed to enhance and assist your creative expression and process.
Further inspiration from the extensive collection of books and images archived in the Royal Academy’s Library will help you consider ways in which different artists have moved from the figurative towards abstraction and back again. Participants will be encouraged to adopt some of the methods and ideas that they discover looking at other artist's work and introduce these ideas into their own practice.
Colour theory and painting methods are discussed and demonstrated to help participants make bold new work, explore and push the boundaries to enriching their own artistic practice. As we progress through this course, you will have time to apply your research and findings from both the archives and the experiments and exercises.
At the end of the course participants are invited to display their work, and to take part in an informal artist's crit so as to share findings and to learn from each other. We will consider the work produced in a constructive and collaborative forum and discuss ways in which the artists may continue their work going forward.
Day one will explore:
• Drawing directly from a life model
• Considering line, gesture, expression, composition, movement
• Experimentation, thorough taking risks and new techniques
Day two will explore:
• Looking at other artists from the Library Collections
• Experimental techniques with acrylic paint
• Abstract painting
• How to modify ambitions and take risks when using colour
• Considering scale
• Constructive criticism and looking forward
About the course
This weekend-long course will explore the human form as a source of inspiration. Working with professional life models, participants will consider line, gesture, composition and expression. Using these preliminary sketches as a point of departure will lead their way to exploring colour and abstraction.
Participants will be encouraged to explore the various possibilities that colour presents.
There will be opportunity for informal discussion and one-to-one feedback with the tutor throughout the weekend.
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, but participants will ideally have some prior experience of drawing, painting or another creative practice.
This course is for you if:
• You have some prior knowledge of drawing and/or painting and would like to extend your skills in the practice of working from direct observation
• You would like a new perspective in your approach to drawing and painting
• You would like the opportunity to develop your skills within a small group in the historic setting of the Royal Academy
• You have no prior experience of drawing and painting, but have an interest in the history, theory and practice of art more generally
Minimum age 18
Please let us know if you have any access requirements.
The number of participants is strictly limited to enable detailed feedback from the course tutor.
£480
Saturday 28 September - Sunday 29 September 2019
10.30am - 5.30pm both days
Includes:
• An introduction to the Academy with particular reference to works of the RA collection with a visit to the RA library
• Exclusive access to the RA's new Clore Learning Centre
• All specialist practical materials
• Light 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
David Price
David Price is a practicing artist who studied at the Royal College of Art. He was Print Fellow at the Royal Academy 2009 – 2012 and now teaches Painting and Printmaking at London Metropolitan University, AUB Bournemouth and on various short courses at Central Saint Martins, London. He is represented by Frestonian Gallery, London.
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 Anna Pojer, Academic Programmes Manager, by calling 020 7300 5684 or email anna.pojer@royalacademy.org.uk