Yahoo News Life drawing in London: the capital's best classes for beginners to budding artists
If you’ve already giggled just clicking on this article, then at least we’ve got it out of the way.
It all may sound rather blush-inducing but, for artists, life drawing is pretty serious stuff.
For many centuries, the act of drawing a (usually) nude model from life has been considered a crucial part of a budding draughtsman’s training.
That doesn’t mean, however, that you have to be the next Leonardo to give it a go.
From major art galleries to former strip clubs, life drawing classes can be found in a variety of venues all across London, with a selection to suit every taste and skill level.
Take a look at our pick of some of the most intriguing experiences on offer.
Royal Drawing School
These guys really know their drawing. They are probably best known as a purveyor of a prestigious postgraduate course – but don’t worry, they also do a weekly Drink and Draw sessions. Yes, you heard us right: Friday nights at the Royal Drawing School Central mean drop-in life drawing with wine or beer included in the £18 session fee. Alternatively you can book into a variety of public courses at either their Oxford Street or Shoreditch locations.
Royal Academy
You don’t have to be a full time student to reap the benefits of one of the nation’s most famous art schools. As well as regular blockbuster exhibitions – including this year’s From Life exhibition – the Academy also runs regular life drawing and painting classes in its historic Life Room. The classes tend to take the form of short courses with a specific theme, with prices ranging depending on the length of the course. So whether you’re interested in the history of the skill, or how to get that arm in proportion, there’s a class for you.
Dulwich Art Group
If that sounds a little intermediate for you, then the Dulwich Art Group runs an introductory Thursday evening course in SE5, with the option to come along to 6 weeks for £75 or 12 weeks for £120. If you’d prefer to be a little more spontaneous, then try the drop-in courses, running throughout the week and on weekends (priced between £10 and £20). Tutored sessions are available for those who want some direction, or go untutored for some undisturbed creative time.
Art Macabre
You’ve heard of life drawing – but what about Death Drawing? Don’t worry, everyone in the room at this drawing session is very much alive, but Art Macabre’s themed drawing sessions tend to come with a dark side. With sessions inspired by all things unearthly, from feminist fairytales to mythologised Celtic Redheads, the models don themed outfits and make up for attendees to respond to. Art Macabre move around, with session locations ranging from cocktail bar The Book Club to major London art galleries, so check their website for details of their next session.
ELSC at The Crown and Shuttle Pub
If any of these classes are going to make you blush, it might just be this one. The East London Strippers Collective run one of London’s more unusual life drawing experiences: attendees at these sessions draw models while they perform pole dancing routines at The Crown and Shuttle pub on Shoreditch High Street. It may sound a little more than you bargained for, but it’s an excellent way to study the body in movement (and it's all a lot of fun too).
meetup.com/Life-Drawing-With-ELSC
LARA
LARA stands for the London Atelier of Representational Art, an art school dedicated to teaching the fundamental skills of making art from life. Like the Royal Drawing School and Royal Academy, they run full time diploma courses but also short courses (priced accordingly) or drop-in life drawing sessions on both Monday and Wednesday evenings, depending on whether you're looking to try out quick change poses, or want to work on one pose for 2 hours. They accommodate up to 20 people and are first come first serve, so be there on the dot!
