Drawing in the park, pattern and people with Rosie MacCurrach

Ref: D2D36236

Book now

Places available

About this course

Draw from observation in and around the Bloomsbury studio, exploring composition and the rhythms and patterns of park life.

Course Description

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.

Course Materials

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).

Timetable

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  
 

General Information

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.

Terms & Conditions

Tutors

Rosie MacCurrach portrait

Rosie MacCurrach

Rosie MacCurrach is an artist and textile designer, living in Hampshire.  Studying at Chelsea College of Art in 2003 with a BA 1st in Textile Design, specialising in print, Rosie has since worked as a print designer,  artist and dyer in fashion, illustration, theatre, film and more recently interiors, working as designer, head of studio and director at Fermoie until 2021.  She spent a postgraduate year at the Royal Drawing School, and a year as Artist in Residence at Great Dixter House and Garden. She has been a visiting lecturer at Chelsea College of Art, and taught at The National Theatre, The Royal School of Drawing, Great Dixter House and Garden, and currently teaches at We are Wild and West Dean College alongside her own practice.

Courses of interest

Introduction to drawing

Online
Buy course
Tutor: Philip Tyler |
Suitable for all
£47

Approaches to drawing through materials and mark-making

Online
Buy course
Tutor: Joanna Veevers |
Suitable for all
£47

Expressive life drawing - intermediate

Online
Buy course
Tutor: Chris Gilvan-Cartwright |
Intermediate/Advanced
£47

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.