Ref: S2D37853
This step-by-step course guides you through the key techniques used to create quick, lively sketches of people on the move.
Working from life models on the first day of the course, you will develop an understanding of the structure of the human body and investigate the key spatial and shape relationships which can be quickly identified to record a moving figure. You will also work on location, in a busy street or similar area on the second day.
Using a range of pencils or drawing materials of your choice, you will further experiment with tone and line quality to discover how these can add dynamism to your drawing.
You will gain first-hand experience of fast drawing techniques required when making sketches of people on the move, a clear understanding of the physical shape and structure of the human body, and how to distil its essence into line and gain experience of materials and their effects on your work.
With a focus on individual development, the course is a series of tutored drawing sessions that will provide both group and individual exercises, with short group assessments at key stages throughout the course. There is a strong emphasis on development and practice of technique to help enhance your drawing skills and exploration of style, rather than working towards finished drawings.
The course will equip you with essential knowledge of how to capture the essence of the moving figure, which can be applied to enhance and develop not only your life drawing but your drawing skills in other subject areas.
On this course, the College will supply the models who will sit for the course and some of the materials, including 4 x A3 sketchbooks and a box of willow charcoal to be shared by the group, as well as a 2B and 4B pencil for each student.
Please bring your own drawing pad or paper and drawing materials of your choice.
Available from shop:
There will be an excursion on the minibus to a busy town centre on the second day. Please bring warm clothes for the excursion, as it may be chilly.
Please wear appropriate clothing/aprons for the workshop or studio. This includes stout covered footwear, i.e. no open-toes or sandals.
Arrival day
Residential students can arrive from 4pm, non-residential students to arrive by 7.15pm for registration. Students arriving earlier are welcome to purchase dinner in the College Dining Room from 6pm.
Students meet their tutor in the Bar at 7.30pm prompt to go to studios.
First Teaching session: 7.30pm - 9pm (attendance is essential)
Daily timetable
Course teaching: 9.15am - 5pm
Morning session: 9.15am - 12.45pm including coffee/tea break
Lunch break: 12.45pm - 2pm*
Afternoon session: 2pm - 5pm including coffee/tea break
Teaching finishes: 5pm
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
Teaching finishes: 3pm
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.
*Lunch can be purchased on campus, view options
Andrew Fitchett is a practicing painter working in oils and West Dean tutor since 2006. Since his career in Advertising where he ran creative courses Andrew paints and teaches from his studio in East Sussex. Andrew's work is in private collections across Europe.
Residential option available. Find out accommodation costs and how to book here.
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