By 
I have always painted, but traditionally I did it more regularly when I was not living in London. The pace of life in the capital leaves little time for reflection, and few of us are capable of dedicating a week at a time to working on our observational drawing. Changing schedules and family commitments make weekend courses almost impossible to attend regularly, and going back to a work in progress after missing classes can be crazy.
Scheduling issues aside, many of us seem daunted by the idea of picking up our brushes after a hiatus of a few years, only to be told to ‘express ourselves’. Too often I hear complaints about the lack of structure in art courses run by some of the UK’s leading institutions, where more emphasis is placed on natural inclination than structured learning of techniques. Although full-time art schools may find a freer approach fruitful, I would say that my natural inclination when told to express myself freely is toward panic.
Art, to me, still encompasses an element of craft. It is the learning and mastery of that craft that brings the mind to the unique balance of concentration and serenity that characterizes meditation. When I paint, hours can go by, the calm ensues, no part of me wondering about the status of my inbox or my reception on social media. I am engrossed in the ancient craft of creation, and modern concerns fade away.
But for the meditative benefits of art classes to take effect, structured lessons with a focus on mastery of techniques are crucial. Art students should be guided, not left disoriented and confused. The therapeutic effects of artistic training can only be felt if it is really a training and not an exercise in frustration.
Below are my recommendations for drawing courses in London.
For those on a budget: First Thursdays at The Royal Drawing School.
A free class with informative and encouraging teachers, Life Drawing sessions are also held on the first Thursday of every month.
https://royaldrawingschool.org/
For Fixed Date Courses: Art Academy London offers well-structured 10-day courses for various levels of experience. From beginner drawing to portraiture and figure sculpture, courses can be selected to suit the student.
https://artacademy.org.uk/
For a historical setting: At the Royal Academy, the wide range of courses on offer and the high standard of teaching means courses sell out incredibly fast, but if you can book a free place, rest assured you’re working in a institution famous for its teaching for more than 200 years.
https://www.royalacademy.org.uk/events/tag/courses-and-classes
For flexibility: the Sunny Art Centre. For those seeking guidance at a time that suits them, the Sunny Art Center allows prospective students to book packages of classes to take at a time convenient for the individual. Located on Chancery Lane, it offers an oasis of calm for those who need to unwind after work. Teachers tailor each lesson to the student to ensure a satisfying and informative learning experience, and all necessary equipment is available to purchase in the gallery.
https://www.sunnyartcentre.co.uk/introduction/london-art-courses-home-page/