Small city gardens and parks are breathing spaces of organic shapes, light, space and movement; places to meet, rest, play or pass through. They sit in contrast to the solidarity and straight lines of the buildings around them.
You will be drawing from observation in and around the London studio. You will be exploring composition, and the rhythms and patterns of park life. You will learn to use paths, fences, flowerbeds and the architectural layout of the park to play with different ideas of composition, combining them with exploring atmosphere and space through mark making and pattern. Referencing artists such as Edouard Vuillard, Pierre Bonnard, 15th Century Indian court paintings, Edward Bowden, Vincent Van Gogh and others, we will look at the inhabited park-scape and how figures in the landscape can be used to create a sense of scale, a story, movement or capture a moment in history. Working with pencil, charcoal, ink and any other drawing materials you wish to bring, you will explore these ideas through short, guided workshops, followed by more independent working, with regular tutor input.
Each session will begin with a group introduction and demonstrations. There will be regular informal group reviews, with a focus on group discussion and learning from each other.
By the end of the course, you will have a series of short drawings and some more finished pieces. You will begin to know how to identify the shapes and spaces that move you, and how to create a composition that reflects this, finding a sense of place or atmosphere and how pattern and the use of figures can play their part in this.
Included
The College will provide an A2 pad per student, Indian ink, fine charcoal, masking tape and fixative spray to share amongst the group.
What students need to bring
- A soft pencil (such as 4B)
- Hard plastic rubber
- 3 jam jars or containers with lids
- Drawing/camping stool
- Ink pens/brushes
- Warm appropriate clothing for working outside; sunhats/waterproofs, etc.
- A2 folder to carry work
- A bottle of water
Additional information
Please wear appropriate clothing/aprons for the workshop or studio, this includes stout covered footwear (no sandals or open toes).
Daily Timetable
Course teaching 11am–5.15pm
Students arrive 10.30am-11am (coffee optional)
Morning teaching 11am-1pm
Lunch break between 1pm-2pm (lunch is not included)
Afternoon teaching 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.