The course will begin with a focus on paper and ink and how your choice of paper and ink affects your outcomes. You will make an A5 sketchbook from a large piece of paper for ease of transporting your work home at the end of the day.
You will carry out a series of experiments that will form a reference library in the form of a sketchbook of techniques. You will learn about the properties of ink and how it behaves using a range of methods and tools to encourage a variety of effects and a language of mark-making outcomes.
You will experiment with Indian ink and drawing ink on cartridge paper and on watercolour paper to learn how this medium behaves on different papers. You will then learn how to transfer these skills into your drawing, progressing from small scale to a larger piece of work, as you gradually gain confidence with the expressive nature of the medium and the variety of marks you can make. You will use sweeping strokes, splashes and gestural marks, starting intuitively and finding a suggestion of images through the marks you make. You will begin to find your own voice and visual language through the marks you make.
At the end of the course, you will have produced a sketchbook of techniques. You will have learnt about the joy of ink, its fluidity and unpredictability that leads to surprising results. You will have embraced scale, through starting small and advancing to a larger, more expressive piece of work.
Included
The college will provide cartridge paper, watercolour paper, Indian ink, Quink ink, white ink, blotting paper, pipettes, wax candle and masking tape.
What students need to bring
- A small water spritzer
- A variety of implements to make marks with, such as cotton buds, string, sticks, skewers, lace, feathers, sponges, old credit cards, toothbrushes, etc.
- Black ink will be provided, but you may bring any inks you may have or would like to try.
- Optional: If you have an image you would like to be inspired from in the afternoon, please feel free to bring that along. Your tutor will supply inspiration.
Additional information
Please wear appropriate clothing/aprons for the workshop or studio, this includes stout covered footwear (no sandals or open toes).
Student registration: 10.30am - 11am
Course teaching: 11am – 5.15pm
Morning session: 11am - 1pm
Lunch break: 1pm - 2pm (lunch is not included)
Afternoon session: 2pm - 5.15pm (15 minute break, 3.30pm–3.45pm)
Teaching finishes: 5.15pm
Short courses are open to anyone aged 18 and over. The course fee covers tuition and materials where stated. You will need to bring all other items listed under the Materials to bring section.
Refreshments
Coffee and tea are included in the course fee, but you will need to bring lunch with you to eat in the refreshments room. There are also plenty of other local venues to purchase food.
Access
If you have any specific access needs, we will need to know about your access requirements in advance. Please tell us about your needs in confidence by emailing: [email protected]
This venue has steps to the front reception, with limited access via a side gate to the ground floor. There is a small lift to higher floors or stairs.
Safety
Short course students are required to sign a safety compliance form as part of West Dean Health and Safety regulations.
Refunds and cancellations
Please refer to our terms & conditions below.
Disclaimer
The information given is accurate at the time of publication. However, West Dean College reserves the right to cancel or amend courses if circumstances require.
