Inspired by a Master

Posted on: 05/07/2018

A Level Art students enjoyed a unique insight into the working processes of a world-renowned portrait painter on July 2nd when they visited the studio of Jonathan Yeo. Jonathan, who has risen to international prominence thanks to his portraits of figures such as The Duke of Edinburgh and The Duchess of Cornwall, former Prime Minister Tony Blair and actor Sienna Miller, invited the Lower Sixth students to spend the afternoon at his Chelsea studio as part of an exciting day that also saw the group visit the 250th Summer Exhibition at the Royal Academy of Arts.

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Jonathan gave them a personal tour of the studio, discussed his work with students in detail and even gave them the opportunity to draw in virtual reality using the equipment that he used to create the first ever sculpture using this medium.

It all added up to an afternoon which the students found both illuminating and inspirational. 'Jonathan Yeo was amazing,' says Zac.  'It was inspiring to see his portraiture up close and to understand where he finds his inspiration and he was really interested in all of us and why we love art.  Spending time with Jonathan has made me even more passionate about art.'  Gracie agrees: 'I left Jonathan's studio feeling inspired by the incredible artwork he has created. For me it has really been a life-changing experience.'

One of the students said to me "Miss, I just want to go home and create art now"

Laura Caldecott, Harrodian Head of Art

The Lower Sixth Art students were also exhilarated by their visit to the Royal Academy where the huge mix of work on show left them buzzing with enthusiasm. 

'This was another amazing day for our students and the visit to Jonathan's studio left them in complete awe,' says Laura Caldecott, Harrodian Head of Art. 'One of the students said to me "Miss, I just want to go home and create art now" and they are already planning to get together for some shared art days during the summer holidays.’IMG_0564.jpg