Life painting in oils: figure and space
Weekend-long practical course
Short course
● Fully booked
- 30 November 2019, 10.30am — 5.30pm
- 1 December 2019, 10.30am — 5.30pm
Life painting in oils: figure and space
Join us for a weekend of painting from life in oils, focusing on how to represent the figure in context. Strengthen your skills in painting the human form while learning how to create a convincing sense of space in painting.
The starting point for this course is the representation of the human body, both as a figure within space as well as an object ‘containing’ it. Participants will be introduced to key art historical background of the innovative ‘one-point linear perspective’, pioneered by the great Italian architect Filippo Brunelleschi (1377-1446). You will discover how, over time, artists became increasingly aware that this concept is important but not enough to understand how we actually see and experience space and the figure within it.
This questioning of space, combined with a desire to depict ‘how we really see’, came to great prominence in the minds of artists such as Matisse, Picasso and Henry Tuke RA in the early twentieth century. They believed the primary concern of an artist was to remove an imposed narrative on a given subject matter, and to pay equal attention to all ‘spaces’ of the canvas or paper.
Elaborating on these seminal ideas, this course seeks to explore the relationship between figure and space within the act of image-making, and how this can inform our own approach to figurative art. Drawing and painting from professional male and female life models, you will have the chance to experiment with all the provided materials and build on your life-painting abilities under an experienced artist’s tutoring.
● Fully booked
● Cancelled
- 30 November 2019, 10.30am — 5.30pm
- 1 December 2019, 10.30am — 5.30pm
The Clore Learning Centre, Burlington Gardens, Royal Academy of Arts
£520. Includes all materials, light refreshments and a wine reception at the end of day one.
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About the course
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Introduction
Working under the guidance of painter and expert tutor Andy Pankhurst, during this exciting two-day ideas and technique focused course participants will both draw and paint with oils from a professional life model in a sustained pose to create their own artworks.
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.
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Who can take this course?
This course is suitable for all levels, preferably with some prior experience of drawing, painting or creative practice.
• You have some prior knowledge of drawing and/or painting and would like to extend your skills
• You would like a new perspective in your approach to painting
• You are keen and open to experiment with a new painting medium and have a patient technique
• You are interested in the methods and techniques of egg tempera painters past and present
• You would like the opportunity to develop your skills and ideas in a small group setting, with a highly trained tutor and artist in the historical setting of the Royal Academy
Minimum age 18
Please let us know if you have any accessibility needs.
The number of participants is strictly limited to enable detailed feedback from the course tutor.
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What's included?
£480
Saturday 30 November - Sunday 1 December 10:30am-5:30pm both daysThis course provides:
• An introduction to the process of oil painting, referencing painters and relevant works in the Collection
• The opportunity to work with a specialist in the medium
• All practical materials
• Light refreshments on both days and a drinks reception at the end of the second day
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About the tutor
Andy Pankhurst
Andy Pankhurst is a figurative painter who works and teaches from the life model. His work is represented in various public, corporate and private collections and museums in the UK and USA. He is represented by Browse and Darby in London, who exhibited new paintings and drawings by Pankhurst in 2014. Pankhurst is co-author, with Lucinda Hawksley, of the book What Makes Great Art, published in 2012 by Apple Press.
Pankhurst studied at the Slade School of Art. He has worked with the Royal Academy for 25 years, initially receiving the RA’s Richard Ford Scholarship in 1992 and later serving as a committee member of the award, nominated by Christopher Le Brun PRA, alongside former Keeper of the Royal Academy, Maurice Cockrill RA.
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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.
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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
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