Through a series of practical exercises, including a personal project, you will learn how to make the transition from figurative to abstract painting. You will have the opportunity to draw and paint from both still life and landscape as a starting point. The tutor will teach you how to edit the work to reveal the beginnings of an abstract composition. You will then look at several types of abstract paintings from which you will be able to make choices, with guidance, on how to develop the work.

Colour, line, shape, composition and scale will be explored to achieve different results. Historical and contemporary artists will be referenced throughout.

The tutor will provide initial exercises as ways into abstraction, followed by one-to-one support with further guidance and group discussions.

By the end of the course, you will have gained knowledge that will enable you to start making your own abstract paintings. You will gain an understanding into the mechanics and motivation that goes into making abstract work, and some tools to help you develop the themes explored in your own time after the course.

Included

The course fee includes the cost of providing some acrylic paint, PVA glue and papers to get you started and to be shared amongst the group. You will need to purchase more from the shop as required.

What students need to bring

• Please bring three or more objects that you would like to use for your still life compositions.
• You may also bring some work from home that you wish to develop in the latter part of the course.
• Acrylic paints (minimum of 59ml tube) in the following colours: Cadmium Red Hue, Alizarin Crimson, Ultramarine Blue, Cobalt Blue Hue, Cadmium Yellow Hue, Lemon Yellow, Black, Titanium White and a green of your choice; plus any other colours you would like to bring
• A selection of brushes - round and flat head - quality of your choosing
• One flat head brush, 2 inches wide
• Palette
• A3 sketch pad
• Water pots – jam jars/yogurt pots (some pots are available from the College)
• Suitable clothing for working with acrylic paint.

Available to buy

Available from shop:

• A good variety of art materials, including acrylic paint in a good range of colours, including Cadmium Red Hue, Alizarin Crimson, Ultramarine Blue, Cobalt Blue Hue, Cadmium Yellow Hue, Lemon Yellow, Black, Titanium White and Green
• Pencils
• A good selection of brushes - round and flat,
• 2 inch wide flat brushes
• Palettes
• Paper in various weights and sizes
• A3 sketch pads
• Canvases

Additional information

Have an open mind and be prepared to experiment.

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

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