Online Drawing Development Year One-year intensive

About the Open Call

The Online Drawing Development Year (ODDY) is designed for arts graduates and artists with an evolving studio practice who seek live online drawing tuition and a structured critical dialogue with tutors, mentors, and peers. Spanning three terms, this unaccredited programme offers sustained guidance and skill development while supporting each student's artistic practice. This flexible course allows students to curate their own selection of courses each term, ensuring a balance between work, studio practice, and other commitments. Delivered entirely online, it is ideal for those based outside London, international students, or individuals with specific access needs. The ODDY is a three-term remote learning programme designed to enhance and complement your studio practice. Throughout the year, students will benefit from: Up to three online daytime drawing classes per week (or equivalent) each term, totaling 18 hours of live tuition per week; Students curate their own programme from over 35 online daytime and evening courses; 6 x 3-hour core online evening classes exclusive to Online Drawing Development Year students; 3 x 30-minute one-to-one tutorials with a faculty member; 5 x 30-minute mentoring sessions with a Core Tutor; Peer-to-peer crits to develop critical dialogue; Access to online lectures featuring artists, curators, and art historians; Professional development series in the final term; Access to the Digital Studio; 1-2 hour ‘drop-in’ live streamed drawing sessions; Two days of 'Core' classes at our Shoreditch studios and other London locations. The Royal Drawing School is one of the few institutions worldwide offering in-depth tuition in observational drawing. Courses are focused around three core areas: Drawing in the studio, Drawing from art, Drawing our environment. Imagination is a central theme across all areas, with specific courses dedicated to exploring its role in observational drawing. Printmaking is also taught as an extension of drawing. This diverse curriculum encourages experimentation and skill development across different drawing disciplines. All classes are taught live via Zoom and Padlet is used for resource sharing and collaboration. Class timings are GMT (Greenwich Mean Time).

What is Offered

The programme offers sustained guidance and skill development for artistic practice through live online drawing tuition, critical dialogue, one-to-one tutorials, and mentoring sessions. Participants gain access to online lectures, a professional development series, and a Digital Studio for drop-in drawing sessions. Alumni benefits include a 50% concession rate to online short courses, eligibility to apply for the Dumfries House Artist Residency, and support for organizing group exhibitions.

Requirements

Applicants should have a strong studio practice, commitment to drawing, and readiness for study at a postgraduate level. While a BA degree in a creative subject is common, it is not essential. Application requires an online form, a 500-word statement (max. 3000 characters) on current practice and suitability for the course, and a digital portfolio of 20 media files. The portfolio must include 10 drawings (dry media, ink, or watercolour) and 10 additional works (any medium), created within the last three years. Image files must be JPEG or PNG (max 5MB), and video files max 2 minutes/250MB. Label media with Title, Medium, Year, Dimensions/Duration, and category ('Drawing' or 'Additional Work').

How to Apply

Places for the Online Drawing Development Year are offered through an application process. While most applicants have completed a BA degree in a creative subject, this is not essential. Applicants need a strong studio practice, commitment to drawing, and readiness for study at a postgraduate level. To apply, complete the online application form on Slideroom, which includes: A 500-word statement (max. 3000 characters) detailing your current practice and why you believe the Online Drawing Development Year is right for you. A digital portfolio of 20 media files, including: 10 Drawings – in dry media, ink, or watercolour; 10 Additional Works – in any medium of your choice. A $20 USD application fee applies. Images must be JPEG or PNG files, no larger than 5MB per image. Video files must be a maximum of 2 minutes and 250MB. Ensure all images are of good quality and created within the last three years. Label your media in the applicant portal with Title, Medium, Year, Dimensions/Duration, and category ('Drawing' or 'Additional Work'). Successful applicants will be notified within one month of the deadline.