Subtle to bold: colour and light in life painting
Four-week practical evening course
17 June 2019 6.30 - 9.30pm24 June 2019 6.30 - 9.30pm1 July 2019 6.30 - 9.30pm8 July 2019 6.30 - 9.30pm
The Clore Learning Centre, Burlington Gardens, Royal Academy of Arts
£480. Includes all materials, light refreshments and a wine reception at the end of the final session.
Terms and conditions
Join painter and figurative artist Andy Pankhurst for a life-drawing and painting course focused on the influence of colour and light on the physical form.
The use and role of colour is a central preoccupation for artists across time and cultures. Bridging art and science, it is referenced in the notebooks of both Leonardo da Vinci and Sir Isaac Newton.
As its own discipline, colour theory began to be widely taught in the 18th century and is central to many art practices, methods and styles.
The interaction and relationship between colour and light has also been widely discussed here at the Royal Academy of Arts. The first president, Sir Joshua Reynolds in his famous Seven Discourses on Art (1769), described how:
‘… by looking on his palette at twilight he (the artist) will see what colours absorb the light, and those that give it out; and thus select for his shadows colours that have the property of giving depth and richness.’
Working with professional male and female life models, participants in this course are introduced to a range of materials, including pastel chalks, inks, watercolour and acrylic paints while exploring concepts of perception, colour theory and the impact of light on the human form. The course considers both the theory and the practice while referencing important historical works and artists. All materials are included and there is time for both personal feedback as well as group interaction and review with a view to developing your own skills and artwork.
Week one - Monday 17 June
Simple colour theory: drawing using colour chalk pastels
Week two - Monday 24 June
Light and dark: drawing with inks
Week three - Monday 1 July
Light and luminosity: painting with watercolours
Week four - Monday 8 July
The interaction of colour: painting with acrylics
About the course
This four-week course will encourage participants to develop a personal language for self-expression in paint on the basis of a solid theoretical foundation.
Participants will work from male and female life models and use a variety of wet and dry materials, including graphite, charcoal, chalks, pastels, watercolours and acrylics.
This exciting ideas and technique-based course runs over four consecutive weeks under the guidance of painter and expert tutor Andy Pankhurst.
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 drawing and/or painting and would like to extend your skills in working from direct observation
• You would like to develop your painting skills
• You would like a new perspective in your approach to life drawing and painting
• 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.
£480
Monday 17 June – Monday 8 July 2019
6.30pm-9.30pm each session
• An introduction to the RA with particular reference to works in the Collection
• 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
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.
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