Claire Chandler
Claire Chandler is a professional artist and art tutor living in south London.
Ref: D2D36721
This two-day painting course consists of practical demonstrations and individual practice - encouraging you to let go of traditional visual references and subject matter.
Develop your own visual language and improve your understanding of the principles of abstract painting through experimentation. You will be looking at the work of contemporary and historical artists alongside your learning to understand different approaches to abstract art.
During the course, you will learn how to draw into abstraction using source references, such as photographs or still life objects. Emphasis will be given to various methods of beginning an abstract work such as drawing into abstraction from source material, using experimental methods, randomness, conceptual systems and translating different sensory information.
You will gain a greater understanding of colour theory to bring out contrast and visual depth in your artwork. You will learn how to use different painting mediums and fully understand your tools, to create texture, glazes, luminosity and a sense of space.
You will explore composition and the many ways to achieve convincing and impactful paintings. Different methods of mark-making and use of composition will also be demonstrated, with critical advice offered throughout the day.
By the end of the course, you will have a deeper understanding of how to achieve a successful abstract painting in acrylic paints and how to use the paint regarding technique and colour theory.
Acrylic paint in primary colours - Crimson Red, Cadmium Red, Cadmium Yellow, Lemon Yellow, Ultramarine Blue, Prussian Blue and Titanium White will be provided for you, along with some A3 cartridge paper.
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: 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.
Claire Chandler is a professional artist and art tutor living in south London.
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.