RAS Art School

The Royal Art Society of NSW (RAS) is an independent not for profit gallery (Lavender Bay Gallery) and art school in North Sydney which aims to promote and encourage appreciation in the visual arts. It has been established since 1880. The Lavender Bay Gallery exhibits a high calibre of paintings and sculpture from both established and emerging artists. Exhibitions change regularly throughout the year ensuring a diverse range of traditional and contemporary works are on show.

Many students have launched their art careers or explored a new hobby through the RAS Art School. There are numerous classes on offer including plein air landscape painting and life drawing. Tax deductible donations assist with the continual upkeep and maintenance of the beautiful Victorian terraces the RAS calls home.

Looking for a unique venue for a book launch, business event, or wedding reception? Lavender Bay Gallery at the RAS is a warm and friendly space with beautiful art work to enhance any event. The RAS kitchen is large and modern with stainless steel appliances." Try a new hobby or improve your skills with the RAS Art School. Attend weekly classes in a wide variety of subjects, techniques and media (oil, watercolour, pastel, acrylics, mixed media, drawing).

The Art School has a proud history in quality art education; a warm and friendly atmosphere with classes in four, ten week terms, using medium, such as oil, acrylic, watercolour and pastel. Subjects ranging from life drawing/painting, portraiture, still life, botanical and plein air, to expressive classes all taught by our team of very talented and dedicated artist teachers.

Our programme offers a ‘Diploma’ course for the dedicated student wanting a more complete art education in a wider range of painting and drawing disciplines. On successful completion the student is recognised as a member of the Royal Art Society. Regular ‘Sketch Clubs’ (no tuition) offer a safe supervised venue for life drawing and portraiture in the spacious, well equipped studios.

During the year we hold workshops by specialised guest teachers who are all experts in their chosen field.
The highlight of the Art School year is the “RAS Art School Exhibition”, where all students are invited to participate in this annual exhibition with a full gala opening including awards and prizes.