20 September 2026, 10am-4pm

George Donald RSA: Tutored Life Drawing Workshop
Mareel Auditorium

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 (from where the Life School continued to function until 1930). To highlight this, the RSA is working with artist George Donald RSA to deliver a series of one-day life drawing classes across Scotland in 2026. 

Workshop Overview:

This practical life drawing workshop will be delivered in-person by George Donald RSA. George will teach basic life drawing skills and techniques with the use of a model human skeleton, while giving lively insights into the history of life drawing and telling stories of his illustrious career.

Over the course of the day participants will draw from a life model and explore how the anatomy of the body influences its surface, shape and tone. George will guide and instruct participants to create their own work in a relaxed and informal setting.

Book direct via Shetland Arts

20-21 February 2026

RSA200 Moving Image Programme

Mareel presents the RSA200 Moving Image Programme, curated by Ronald Forbes RSA. This programme features moving image work by Royal Scottish Academicians and RSA award winners, reflecting artists’ moving image practice in Scotland from the past and present. It includes work from the RSA Collection and work being made today.

To mark the RSA’s bicentenary, Sandy Wood, Head of Collections, gives an illustrated talk about the past, present and future of the RSA, ahead of the opening at the museum of an exhibition exploring the work of RSA Honorary Academician, Hugh MacDiarmid. With insights into the Collections, artists and some of the many links there are between Shetland and the RSA.