Life Drawing: Observation and Imagination

ByRoyal Drawing School

Drawing

Beginner

A structured beginner course exploring life drawing through observation and imagination, with no previous drawing experience required.

About this course

The course introduces drawing through two complementary approaches: observing a subject directly and developing images from imagination. Participants explore the possibilities of each approach within a structured studio course, using drawing as a way to respond to their individual experience.

What you'll learn

  • Create drawings based on observation
  • Develop drawings from imagination
  • Explore different approaches to life drawing

Is this course right for you?

The course is intended for beginners, including those with no previous drawing experience. The Beginner (A1) label indicates an introductory level, while the course description explicitly welcomes learners starting from scratch.

  • No previous drawing experience is required
  • Suitable for learners exploring both observation and imagination

Before you go

  • Easels, drawing boards, charcoal, newsprint and masking tape are provided in the studio.
  • Cartridge and watercolour paper are provided as part of the course materials.
  • Learners may bring additional materials for personal use, such as drawing pencils, Conté crayons, pastels, ink pens, coloured pencils, erasers, a pencil sharpener or a sketchbook.
  • A fuller suggested materials list is sent before the course begins.

Class teachers

  • Elizabeth McCarten

    Class teacher

  • Sophie Charalambous

    Class teacher

  • Stephanie Forrest

    Class teacher

Where this course runs

Royal Drawing School

Drawing courses at Shoreditch studios and London museums

45 drawing courses on Learn.London

Upcoming classes

2 classes

Selected date

Wed 17 Feb 2027

10:00 – 17:00 • 5 weeks

£298

19-22 Charlotte Road, Shoreditch

Elizabeth McCartenClass teacher
Stephanie ForrestClass teacher
Book this class →

Other available dates

  • Thu 21 Oct 2027

    10:00 – 17:00 • 5 weeks

    19-22 Charlotte Road, Shoreditch

    Sophie Charalambous, Stephanie Forrest

    £298

StartsScheduleLengthTeacherVenuePrice
21 Oct 2027
Thursdays
10:00 - 17:00
Short course5 weeks
SophieCharalambousStephanieForrest
19-22 Charlotte RoadLondon EC2A 3SG
£298.00
  • Wed 17 Feb, 10:00 - 17:00

    Book now
    5 weeks
    19-22 Charlotte Road
    5 weeksWed 10:00£298
    ElizabethMcCartenStephanieForrest19-22 Charlotte Road
    ElizabethMcCarten
    StephanieForrest
    £298
  • Thu 21 Oct, 10:00 - 17:00

    5 weeks
    19-22 Charlotte Road
    5 weeksThu 10:00£298
    SophieCharalambousStephanieForrest19-22 Charlotte Road
    SophieCharalambous
    StephanieForrest
    £298

Showing 1 to 2 of 2 classes

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