If you’re a budding artist, check out the Royal Academy’s famous Summer Exhibition, and get inspired to start an art course…

The Royal Academy’s Summer Exhibition has been held annually since 1768 and draws together a wide range of new work by both established artists and unknowns. It is the largest open contemporary art exhibition in the world and is a unique  showcase for art of all styles and media. Taking place this year from June to August, the majority of works are for sale and any artist can enter work for selection.

It usually takes around two weeks to hang the 1,200 works displayed in the exhibition and the galleries are often filled to capacity. Much careful thought and planning goes into the organisation of the show and the final effect is often rather dramatic. Most different techniques are represented across the exhibition and visitors are treated to an eclectic mix of watercolours, sculpture, textiles and much more.

Across London you will find an amazing array of art classes to suit the requirements of enthusiastic amateurs as well as budding professionals. You could dip into some basic acrylics training or sign up for a more intense art foundation course. Whatever you decide, find the right inspiration through an art course and it could be your work of art taking pride of place in next year’s Summer Exhibition.