A study of the figure in dialogue
Practical evening course
24 May 2017 6.15 - 9.15pm31 May 2017 6.15 - 9.15pm8 June 2017 6.15 - 9.15pm14 June 2017 6.15 - 9.15pm
The Life Room, Royal Academy Schools
£190 for weeks one and two OR weeks three and four. £360 for full course. Includes all materials and a drinks reception at the end of the final session.
Terms and conditions
This dynamic life-drawing course runs over four consecutive weeks, focusing on the figure in dialogue. Working from one model in week one, and progressing up to four models in week four, participants will create studies of figures interacting, moving and communicating in the historic setting of the Royal Academy’s Life Room.
From the newfound realism and expressive drama of Giotto at the beginning of the 14th century, to today’s contemporary works by Paula Rego, artists have attempted to depict the interaction of life through the relationship between human figures for centuries; biblical, mythological and human everyday stories told through a visual language.
Key references to note include the famous gestures we observe, and sublime moments expressed within Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper and Michelangelo’s The Creation of Adam; and the conversation pieces of life depicted through informal portraits by artists such as Thomas Gainsborough RA and Johann Zoffany RA, their sitters often appearing oblivious to being painted at all.
Furthermore, we experience dramatic shifts in scale when figures occupy pictorial space as "near and far forms". This can be experienced in Piero della Francesca’s harrowing painted scene, The Flagellation of Christ. From the Baroque art of Sir Peter Paul Rubens, artists have been inspired by "rhythm and movement", this then becomes expressed towards a more Rococo sensibility within the paintings of the Royal Academy’s first elected President, Sir Joshua Reynolds PRA Sensations inspired a later generation of artists, most notably the French painter Henri Matisse in his painting La Danse, created at the beginning of the 20th century. These are just a few examples that remind us of such a dialogue having taken place within art.
All such artists drew, observed and worked from life at some point, including from the life model, as part of their artistic visual vocabulary and learning. The Royal Academy’s rich history in doing so continues today – this course endeavours to embrace and explore such ideals and concepts.
Each session will build upon the previous by increasing the number of models, starting with one model in week one, and finishing with four models in week four:
Week one, Wednesday 24 May – Simple gestures (one model)
Week two, Wednesday 31 May – The conversational piece (two models)
Week three, Thursday 8 June – Figures in space; near and far (three models)
Week four, Wednesday 14 June – Rhythm and movement (four models)
Please note that the third session of this course is held on a Thursday evening. Sessions one, two and four are held on Wednesday evenings.
About the course
A dynamic life-drawing course running over four consecutive weeks focusing on the figure in dialogue. Working from one model in week one, and progressing up to four models in week four, participants will create studies of figures interacting, moving and communicating in the historic setting of the Royal Academy’s Life Room. Participants will be able to choose from a variety of wet and dry materials, and papers to create their drawings.
Each session will build upon the previous by increasing the number of models, starting with one model in week one, and finishing with four models in week four:
Wednesday 24th May
Week 1: Simple gestures
Wednesday 31st May
Week 2: The conversational piece
Thursday 8th June
Week 3: Figures in space; near and far
Wednesday 14th June
Week 4: Rhythm and movement
This course is suitable for all levels, preferably with some prior experience of drawing, painting or creative practice in general.
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 both perception and direct observation.
• You would like a new perspective in your approach to life drawing.
• You would like the opportunity to develop your skills and ideas in a small group setting in the historical setting of the RA’s Life Room
• You have no prior experience of drawing from life, but an interest in the history, theory and practice of art more widely.
Minimum age 18
The number of participants is strictly limited to enable detailed feedback from the course tutor.
Price for weeks one and two OR weeks three and four: £190
Price for full course: £360
6.15pm - 9.15pm on each session
Includes:
• An introduction to the Academy with particular reference to relevant works in the Collection
• The opportunity to work from a number of different models over the course of the four weeks
• All practical materials
• A drinks reception at the end of the final session
• A certificate of participation upon course completion (if taking the full course)
About the tutor
Andy Pankhurst
Upon graduation from the Slade School of Fine Art in 1992, Andy Pankhurst had won First Prize for the Windsor and Newton Young Artist's Award, and was represented by leading gallery Anthony Mould Contemporary Ltd. He was awarded the Richard Ford Scholarship through the Royal Academy in 1992 for travel in Spain to study the Old Masters within the Prado, subsequently becoming a committee member of the award himself in 2003, nominated by Christopher Le Brun, P.R.A, and alongside former Keeper of the RA Schools, Maurice Cockrill RA (1936 - 2013). Further travel undertaken through the Boise Travel Scholarship in 1993 to live in the Veneto area of Italy for the year, to study primarily Giotto and the Venetian School. As a figurative painter, Andy Pankhurst is known as an artist and teacher working from the life model. Andy has work represented in various public, corporate and private collections and museums in the UK and USA. Andy currently exhibits with Browse and Darby in London, with his most recent show of paintings and drawings in 2014. He is the co-author with Lucinda Hawksley of the book What Makes Great Art, published in 2012 by Apple Press.
About the space
The Life Room
Set in the Academy’s historic Life Room, nestled deep in the heart of the RA Schools, this unique and significant space was designed in the 1860s when the galleries and schools were first constructed, purpose built to accommodate the study of the human form in art.
The semi-circular seating arrangement is based on an ancient design and can trace its British history back to the 1730s and Hogarth’s Academy in St Martin’s Lane. The directional light is also of ancient design and is used (then as now) to provide directional light to aid the delineation of the figure’s musculature – significantly enhance the use and study of colour and light in art.
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.