The course is about exploring and experiencing different ways of making drawings. Through close observation, as well as more physical aspects of drawing, you will discover new ways to make marks and to confidently create direct expression in your work.
Techniques you will learn include mark-making, use of tone, to work on both large and small scale, to combine collage with drawing, and to draw with different tools and media such as small brushes, large brushes, charcoal, pencil, biros and more, extending the materials and taking them to their limits. You will experiment with twigs, wool, your hands, anything you find, but with a foundation of a structure. You will also explore surface and texture.
You will be encouraged to look closely at the subject and also to feel the subject you draw. Drawings will be made directly from the gardens at West Dean, from memory and from drawings you make.
There will be structured teaching at the start of the course; the tutor will encourage you to then lead with your ideas to develop your drawings further, supported by further teaching on a one-to-one basis. She will create a relaxed atmosphere so that you feel uninhibited to be experimental and create dynamic work.
There will be images of many different artists and discussion; this will serve as inspiration and show you new ways to make drawings. There will be group sessions where you can talk about your work and learn from each other.
By the end of the course, you will have gained confidence in your drawing abilities and be inspired to make more work.
Included
On this course the College will supply some of the materials, including:
- Cartridge paper
- Watercolour paper
- Sugar paper
- Newsprint per student
- Polyfilla
- Black water-based gloss paint
-Wax
- Cellophane
- Water-based varnish
- Indian ink
- Graphite powder
- Charcoal powder
- Charcoal
- PVA glue
- Rolls of lining paper
- A large roll of Fabriano paper to share amongst the group.
What students need to bring
- Soft pastels
- Brushes – various brushes including a large decorator’s brush
- Soft pencils (e.g. 9B, 6B)
- Dip pen (or you can use sticks)
- Sketchbook
- Palette knife
- Collage papers – e.g. used envelopes, wrapping papers, cellophane, fabrics (anything goes!)
- Old pillow cases and tea towels
Available to buy
Available from shop:
A good variety of art materials, including:
- Drawing materials
- Soft pastels
- Paper
- Brushes
- Soft pencils (e.g. 9B, 6B)
- Dip pens
- Sketchbooks
Additional information
Please wear appropriate clothing/aprons for the workshop or studio, this includes stout covered footwear (no sandals or open toes).
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
