Vibrant machine stitched and collaged textiles with Imogen Bittner

Ref: S2D36070

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About this course

Learn the techniques of creating a vibrant and atmospheric still life, working from an assortment of objects and fabrics supplied by the tutor or from your own collection. Learn how to construct your image, balance colour and pattern, and add stitch to accentuate the form of your objects.

Course Description

This course will consider how to transform the initial arrangement of objects into an atmospheric and vibrant still life in either an abstract or representational style. Your tutor will demonstrate each technique, ranging from drawing, pattern making, perspective, light and shading through to colour balancing in easy-to-follow stages, which will result in an exciting transformation of your initial arrangement.

Fabric can be used like paint, stitched or collaged in place or delineated with a black thread to accentuate the form of the object. Light and shade, which adds atmosphere to enhance (or reduce) depth in the composition, can also add a three-dimensional quality to the objects described. Foliage, flowers and fruit, as well as being an integral decorative part of the composition, can also serve to balance colour and add to the sense of depth or perspective in the design. These are constructed using paint and print.

The final stage is to back the still life with a heavy fabric which will help to support its structure. If you wish to enhance or embellish further, following on from the course, add the support when fully completed. Framing supports the composition and is a traditional way of displaying this genre of work.

The tutor will demonstrate all techniques whilst also offering one-to-one attention if required, as each still life will be a unique and individual expression.

Course Materials

Included

On this course the tutor will supply many of the materials, including a selection of fabrics, craft paper for patterns, acrylic paints, brushes.

Foliage and flowers for inspiration will be provided by West Dean Gardens.

What students need to bring

  • A favourite still life work by an artist you admire
  • An example or photograph of a piece of work you may have produced (optional) 3 or 4 objects from your personal collection (non-precious)
  • Fabrics, including smaller pieces, that you may wish to work into your composition
  • Scissors
  • Sewing kit including black polyester thread and other threads if you wish to hand sew / embellish
  • Your own sewing machine that you are familiar with (machines are also available at the College)
  • Rolling pin
  • Greaseproof paper
  • Soft oil pastels
  • 2/3 Sheets of A3 paper
  • HB pencil

Available to buy

Available from shop: A3 paper Pencils and soft oil pastels

Available from tutor: Base fabric on which to construct your still life
Backing fabric Bonding fabric / glue sticks Netting / organza

Additional information

Please wear appropriate clothing/aprons for the workshop or studio, this includes stout covered footwear (no sandals or open toes).

Timetable

Arrival day
Residential students can arrive from 4pm, non-residential students to arrive by 6.45pm for registration
6.45pm: Welcome, followed by dinner (included)
8 - 9pm: First teaching session, attendance is essential

Daily timetable
Course teaching 9.15am - 5pm (lunch included)
Dinner: from 6.30pm (included for residential students)
Evening working: students may have access to workshops until 9pm, but only with permission from the tutor and provided any health and safety guidelines are observed

Departure day
Course teaching: 9.15am - 3pm (lunch included)
Residential students will need to check out of rooms by 10am

Please note, the tutor may make slight variations to the daily timetable as required

General Information

Tutors

Imogen Bittner

Imogen studied Fine Art (painting) at Farnham, MA (sculpture) at Arts University Bournemouth and a PGCE Art at Exeter. Her interest has always been still life in paint, textiles and soft sculpture which she has exhibited regularly in Norway and France and currently in the UK. She is a member of Wessex Contemporary Art, Dorset Visual Arts & Bruton Art Society.

Accommodation

Residential option available. Find out accommodation costs and how to book here.

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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.