Tom Scotcher
Tom Scotcher (b.1992) is a Lewes-based artist who studied Visual Communication (BA Hons) at Central Saint Martins (2011-14) and thereafter at the Royal Drawing School (2016-17).
Introduction to Chalk Pastels with Tom Scotcher
Ref: D1D42957
About this course
This course explores expressive mark-making and colour with chalk pastels, focusing on still life. You will develop observational skills, experiment with scale and create personal, large-scale works informed by memory, imagination and direct observation.
Course Description
We will explore the fundamentals of chalk pastels through expressive use of colour and experimental mark-making, working primarily from still life. The course will begin with small colour studies to investigate tonal relationships, which will inform the development of larger pastel works. Free from size constraints, you will experiment with expanding your compositions to achieve a greater sense of scale and space.
Throughout the course, we will cover a range of topics and themes, including how colours register from a distance. By combining multiple sheets to extend the size of your work, you will explore how—and why—to expand your images beyond conventional boundaries. We will also explore how artists, both past and present, have used this medium in their practice. You will learn to train your eye to identify compelling motifs that feel personal and meaningful to you.
We will further explore and discuss the variations in mark-making that emerge when working from life, memory, and imagination. These reflections will support you in creating work that goes beyond topographical representation, aiming instead for expression shaped by your personal experience of the subject.
The overall aim of this class is to strengthen your observational drawing skills and enable you to work on a much larger, more expressive scale, creating artwork that is true to your own experience. By the end of the course, you will feel confident in identifying and developing your own visual motifs as part of your evolving personal practice.
Course Materials
Included
On this course, the College will supply some of the materials, including:
- Paper
- Charcoal
- Some soft pastels to get you started
What students need to bring
- Chalk pastels: a variety of soft and hard chalk pastels
- Charcoal
- Sketchbooks
- Drawing materialsRags
- Additional sheets of A1 paper (some are provided but bring your own if you wish)
Additional information
Please wear appropriate clothing/aprons for the workshop or studio, this includes stout covered footwear (no sandals or open toes).
Timetable
Student registration: 10am- 10.30am
Course teaching: 10.30am-4.30pm
Morning session: 10.30am-1pm
Lunch break: 1pm-2pm (lunch is not included)
Afternoon session: 2pm-4.30pm (optional 15 minute break)
Teaching finishes: 4.30pm
General Information
Tutors
Further study options
Take the next step in your creative practice, with foundation level to Masters in Fine Art study.
Depending on your experience, start with an Online Foundation Certificate in Art and Design (one year, part-time), a Foundation Diploma in Art and Design made up of 10 short courses taken over two years (part-time) or advance your learning with our BA (Hons) Art and Contemporary Craft: Materials, Making, and Place (six years part-time). All will help you develop core skills, find direction in your practice and build an impressive portfolio in preparation for artist opportunities or higher-level study. See all degree and diploma courses.