10 AM - 4 PM
This workshop will include an introduction to the unique, irreplaceable value of drawing directly from a live model.
- Through clear, easy-to-follow drawings from the front, back, and sides, George will analyse the skeleton, with special focus on the skull, to help you build a convincing figure.
- Learn to locate where bone sits directly beneath the skin, creating important landmarks for capturing movement and complex poses.
- George will map out the muscle systems of the torso and show how muscle groups spiral around the arms and legs. He will share specialised techniques for simplifying the complex structures of hands and feet.
- Learn to break down the eyes, nose, ears, and mouth into simpler forms to capture facial expressions with skill and accuracy
Throughout the day, George will illustrate these anatomical concepts through large-scale, live master drawings using charcoal and chalks.
After each demonstration stage, participants will have time to do their own quick drawings, based on the discussions. There will be a longer period at the end of the day for students to make more complete life drawings, consulting the notes they have made earlier.
Participants are encouraged to bring their own easels and materials if they have them. If you need to borrow supplies from the studio, please email us ahead of time to secure them, as availability is limited.
About George Donald
George Donald RSA is a painter, printmaker and art tutor. He is a Visiting Scholar and Teacher of Drawing and Anatomy at University of Central Florida USA, until recently at the Royal Drawing School, London, and now at University of the Arts London. He occasionally offers public lecture/demonstrations in Anatomy and Life Drawing, most recently at the Royal Society of Edinburgh, the Royal College of Surgeons, Café Scientifique at Glasgow University, the School of Anatomy, University of Edinburgh; and the Ages of Wonder exhibition at the RSA.
He is Keeper of the RSA Collections and regularly exhibits at the Academy and is also a member of the Royal Scottish Society of Painters in Watercolour.
- Website: www.georgedonald.com
- Instagram: @georgedonaldpaintings
About this Workshop
This workshop is part of the Royal Scottish Academy’s 200th anniversary celebrations throughout 2026, shining a spotlight on the Academy’s past, present and future. Integral to the RSA’s history is the Academy’s Life School at The Mound in Edinburgh, where fine art - including life drawing - was taught until the formation of Edinburgh College of Art in 1907 (and from where the Life School continued to function until 1930).
