'Matisse in the Studio': the nude
Weekend-long practical course
11 November 2017 10.30am - 5.30pm12 November 2017 10.30am - 5.30pm
The Life Room, RA Schools, Piccadilly
£420. Includes all materials, lunch and wine reception at the end of the second day.
Matisse in the Studio
Terms and conditions
Join artist Adele Wagstaff for an intensive practical course focusing on drawing and painting the nude, exploring the relationship between artist and model, inspired by the 'Matisse in the Studio' exhibition.
“My line drawing is the purest and most direct translation of my emotion. The simplification of the medium allows that... the drawings are always preceded by studies made in a less rigorous medium than pure line, such as charcoal or stump drawing, which enables me to consider simultaneously the character of the model, the human expression, the quality of the surrounding light, atmosphere and all that can only be expressed by drawing.”
Notes of a Painter on his Drawing, Henri Matisse, 1939
Matisse collected objects from around the world; Buddhist statuary from Thailand, Bamana figures from Mali, furniture and textiles from North Africa. The objects collected provided Matisse with influences from beyond the limits of Western art. For example, African sculpture and masks were a revelation, suggesting more expressive models for depicting the human figure and face. The impact of African art on Matisse’s work in particular can be seen in his ground-breaking representations of the female nude in drawings, prints, paintings and sculpture. After c.1906, when Matisse started to acquire his own diverse collection of statues and masks from Africa, he began to radically change the composition and handling of the figures in his art, searching for a means of depicting the nude with what he believed to be greater meaning and authenticity. The results of this period and his relationship with both the objects and models in his studio resulted in some of the most intimate and expressive works of the period. Influenced by the objects and their setting, Matisse experimented with layers within a composition and how to extend the pictorial space.
Drawing inspiration from the Matisse in the Studio exhibition, and from Matisse’s extensive practice history of drawing and painting from the nude in the studio, artist Adele Wagstaff will lead an intensive weekend-long course. The course will explore the structure of intimate spaces and poses against theatrical backdrops and interiors, set within the Royal Academy’s historic Life Room.
About the course
This course explores drawing and painting techniques working directly from the life model within the Royal Academy’s historic life room. Drawing inspiration from works within the Matisse in the Studio exhibition, as well as from Matisse's long history of working from the nude model, an illustrated introduction will be provided including to key artworks from the period. The historical and theoretical background will provide a broad and thorough foundation in outline in preparation for the practical exercises and methods.
This course will also reference and make use of expertly selected items from the Royal Academy’s own Archives and Collection - a unique and exceptional scholarly reference and teaching tool which has informed artists and their practice since the Royal Academy’s foundation in 1768. As well as learning from carefully chosen archival material, participants will develop skills in observation, representation and rendition.
Participants will work with different life models, in a number of poses and with a variety of theatrical set-ups. On day one, working with one model, participants will be working under different lighting conditions, and with a range of materials, including black-and-white as well as in colour, using charcoal, pencil and ink and watercolour.
On day two, working with two models, a day-long pose will be set up to allow for more sustained painting and exploration of the figure, as well as or in addition to shorter painted studies using watercolour, gouache or acrylic.
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 life drawing, but an interest in the history, theory and practice of the genre and art more widely.
Minimum age 18
The number of participants is strictly limited to enable detailed feedback from the course tutor.
£420
Saturday 11 – Sunday 12 November 2017
10.30am – 5.30pm on both days
Includes:
• An introduction to the Academy with particular reference to relevant works in the Collection
• A complimentary ticket to the Matisse in the Studio exhibition
• All specialist practical materials
• Lunch and refreshments served on both days
• A drinks reception at the end of the second day
• A certificate of participation upon course completion
About the tutor
Adele Wagstaff
Painter Adele Wagstaff trained at the University of Newcastle upon Tyne and the Slade School of Fine Art where her teachers included Andrew Maclaren, Myles Murphy, Patrick Symons, Norman Norris and Euan Uglow. Following her graduation from the Slade, where, in the Life Room Adele focussed her practice on working from the nude in sustained poses, Adele continues to focus on the human figure, portrait and still life.
About the space
The Life Room
The Course is taught in the Academy’s historic Life Room, nestled in the heart of the RA Schools and not often open to the public. This unique and important space was designed in the 1860’s when the galleries and art school moved to Burlington Gardens. 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 used, then as now, to help to delineate the human figure enabling life drawing, which has been practised in this room by generations of Royal Academy artists and students.
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.