Creating and developing a sketchbook with Maxine Relton

Ref: S3D37699

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About this course

The sketchbook is a place to record experiences, fleeting impressions, thoughts and memories. Explore a multitude of ways of working, including free drawing of all kinds, transfer techniques and using colour media. Develop ideas both in the studio and outdoors.

Course Description

You will start by making your own small sketchbook based on a choice of simple designs which Maxine will introduce. You will then look at a wide range of approaches and subjects to inspire you, from close observation to ideas based on memory and imagination, whether figurative or abstract. You’ll be using your own chosen materials and will have a chance to try some less familiar ones provided by the tutor.

By the end of the course, you’ll have a personal sketchbook enriched with your responses to a variety of well-guided projects to spark and develop more creative ideas, whether drawing, painting, text or collage.

Throughout, time will be given to sharing and reviewing your discoveries.

Course Materials

Included

Some specialist materials will be provided by the tutor.

What students need to bring

  • A few colour magazines and glue stick if wanting to do collage
  • A range of drawing tools, excluding soft pastels/charcoal
  • Paper for making own sketchbook: A1 sheet of good-quality white cartridge paper 220 gsm or A1 sheet of watercolour paper 300gsm if wanting to use watercolour paints. Hot-pressed (smooth) texture would be more suitable than NOT (medium) texture if wanting to include fine-line pencil or colour drawing.
  • Watercolour paints if using, together with suitable paper and 1 large round brush that points well, plus a chisel ended flat brush
  • A bone folder if you have one; if not, a metal teaspoon will serve

Available to buy

Available from shop: A good variety of art materials including a good selection of brushes, A1 size cartridge paper, A1 size watercolour paper hot pressed 300gsm, drawing materials, watercolour paints and bone folders, etc.

Additional information

Your tutor likes to have a chat with students on the telephone prior to the course. This gives her the opportunity to find out about any special interests or focus areas you have, to tell you a bit more about the course and to answer any questions you may have. Your email and phone number will be passed on to her. If you would prefer the tutor not to contact you, please let the Bookings office know.

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

Timetable

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

General Information

Tutors

Maxine Relton

Teaching at West Dean since 2005, Maxine works across drawing, painting, printmaking, bookmaking and mixed media. Exhibits widely, runs a 3-floor gallery of her work in Gloucestershire, included in public and private collections around the world. Trained in London at Camberwell and the Slade. An elected member of the Royal West of England Academy.

Accommodation

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

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Further study options for art craft and design short courses

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.