WHERE and when IS IT?

We can be found in the beautiful old anatomy lecture theatre in Summerhall, Edinburgh’s foremost multi-arts venue, on Wednesday evenings from 19:00-21:00. Our tutored sessions, held Jan-Feb and September- November, are held in the same room. For more info on when the tutored sessions are held, please see our Events Calendar.

Summerhall is located on the West side of the Meadows (the side nearest the big hill of Arthurs Seat).

Please check in at reception on your first visit to be pointed in the right direction.

WHAT HAPPENS?

Here's how it works: whether you're a seasoned pro or don't know a pencil from a pen, we welcome all ages and all abilities - ESPECIALLY those of you who think you have NO abilities whatsoever. You can strut in and confidently do your thing, or declare yourself clueless and ask for help; you can show off your work, or swiftly close your sketchbook if you're shy. We welcome ALL of you.
Our models pose within a lightly themed set-up: nude enough to engage simply with the figure, yet embellished enough to explore the themed approach if inspiration strikes.
Themes range from recreations of artists work (e.g. Matisse, Giacometti, Egon Schiele, Rodin), to concepts such as ‘fragility’, ‘balance’, ‘flamboyance’; to narrative stories (e.g. The Little Mermaid!, the weather, getting dressed), the interaction and energy between duo models (from spouses, to identical twins, to lovers, to shibari rope partners), to the creative use of props (mirrors, puppets, masks, shadows, etc).

Sessions typically last 2 hours, with a 20 minute break at 8pm to stretch your legs, chat about your work, and grab a drink from the bar if you like.

how much is it? What’s the ticket/refund policy?

Iit’s £10/8/5 self assessed concessions (concessions = unemployed/minimum wage/student/etc. We expect and respect your honesty; no proof is required). For you keen beans, there’s also the option to buy 5 sessions for between £35-45 (use within 3 months of purchase). However, as the events are very popular we recommend that you book in advance via Citizen Ticket. You can also reserve a space for a 5-session card or indeed a space for a completed loyalty card you’d like to redeem. No need to print anything- all we need is your name.

All spaces are made available in advance. If there’s any no-shows, this frees up a few more spaces and these will be released at 6:55pm to allow us to begin promptly at 7pm. If you had an online ticket, arrived after 6.55pm and didn’t let me know you were going to be late, your ticket is non-refundable and there’s no guarantee we will have space to let you in. Sorry about that. You can text me on 07913673555, email me at reconfigurative@gmail.com, or message the FB page before 6.30pm (after which I am generally running round like a headless chicken) if you know you’ll be late and we can make sure a space is saved for you. Tickets are non-transferable but I can refund you if requested in advance.

DO I NEED TO BRING ANYTHING?

We supply various drawing paraphernalia to borrow (including chalks, pastels, boards and fixative), and you can buy A3 paper, pencils and sharpeners from us, as well as lovely sketchbooks of different sizes. Do bring your favourite tools if you have them - but it's equally fine to turn up with nothing at all and we will sort you out for the price of a few squid.

If you need drawing advice just ask me (Topaz) (or whoever is sitting next to you- make a new friend!).

There is also a bar on the premises for hot and cold bevvies - bonus points for bringing a keep cup! Please note it’s not BYOB - help us to support the venue who put us on so generously by enjoying their bar.

Our Wednesday sessions aren’t tutored per se but we do organise ‘courses’ twice a year, taught by expert artists in each topic. These can be standalone workshops, or booked in a block for a rounded experience (and a free Wednesday session for every 5 tutored sessions attended). For example, popular workshops include clay sculpture; gestural drawing; the use of tone and colour, and proportion. Our 2022 courses run from and including Sept 20th - Nov 15th.

These sessions cost £16/14, and are booked individually. Materials are included in the ticket price for these sessions, but feel free to bring your own favoured paraphernalia. To give you time to stuck in properly and give the tutor a few mins with everyone, these tutored sessions are typically 2 hours 15mins: 7pm -9.15pm.
Booking for these sessions is via Citizen Ticket, as usual.

If you’d like personal advice about which of the tutored life drawing classes available in Edinburgh would suit you, please email reconfigurative@gmail.com - it’s likely I have modelled for them and know their different approaches well.