It was a new experience for tutors and pupils alike and, for Miles Thistlethwaite, one of the 5 professional drawing tutors supplied by the Prince's Drawing School, a strange one to begin with. His 7 students were unlike the 'pretty bossy' aspiring artists who generally come to drawing schools and he found that the ING participants, mostly 'absolute novices', from a thrusting, competitive City environment did not necessarily know what they wanted from the course; but they certainly wanted to be good at it.

Most of the tutors settled on a structured approach to the learning sessions, leading their charges through a selection of drawing techniques. Miles' group was taken one week to a local leafy square to observe and draw workers around them out for a breath of fresh air – something they initially found daunting (even embarrassing), but into which they settled, realising that they could do this and people didn't complain. Nearby Liverpool Street Station was the focus for another trip.

The students learnt about perspective – a revelation for some! Another week a life model came in to pose; then there was a still life to draw. Miles was most keen to challenge the students, to make them do things they didn't think they could do – a lesson he himself had learnt at art school.

All rose exceptionally well to the challenge and at the beginning of November last year Thomas Newbolt, an artist and drawing tutor of over 30 years' experience, now teaching at The Prince's Drawing School, opened an exhibition at ING's offices of participants' drawings. Each exhibited their first attempt at the outset of the course, coupled with a further drawing that each felt best illustrated his/her progress.

The accolade of 'most improved' student went to Martin Fraser, a rookie artist whose day job is working in Market Risk Management. Martin, who was tutored by Charlie Cobb, was both surprised and clearly delighted. He was presented with a selection of Winsor & Newton drawing materials and news of his success even made it to the pages of The Telegraph and the Financial Times!

ING staff were also asked to choose their favourite drawing. Michael Amos, Head of Legal for the Trading function, was the artist of the winning picture.

 

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