This course will consist of practical demonstrations and individual practice. It is suitable for those who have taken a related course or have some existing skills in drawing and painting.

This course will benefit those interested in exploring abstract art in greater depth, further developing and building their painting skills, working towards independent practice.

We will take inspiration from the beautiful setting of West Dean College and draw in the surrounding landscape. Time will be spent working outside, ‘en plein air’, drawing with charcoal within the grounds of the college. You will complete several guided drawing exercises outdoors using the surrounding landscape as inspiration. You will take these drawings back into the studio to develop further.

We will explore the fundamental approaches to creating abstract paintings. Inspired by visual references, you will develop an understanding of colour, gesture, scale, form, shape and line.

You will create a series of abstract landscape compositions. You will be encouraged to experiment with various acrylic paint techniques to further your painting practice.

You will be learning about the work of contemporary abstract landscape painters to inspire and enrich your own explorations and discoveries.

This course is an opportunity for you to:

• Loosen up your observational drawing with charcoal experiments
• Observe and respond to the landscape creatively
• Develop the confidence to employ a variety of painting methods and materials
• Explore the fundamental approaches to making abstract art, developing an understanding of colour, gesture, scale, form, shape and line
• Recognise greater creative potential in your painting
• Produce a number of experimental abstract landscape paintings in acrylic paint

You will be encouraged to use a sketchbook to record notes, sketches, colours and ideas during the course.

Your tutor will provide exercises, demonstrations, inspiration and subject matter for this course.

Please come prepared for drawing outdoors in all weathers, with a waterproof and layers/hats/sunscreen and suitable footwear.

Included

On this course the College will provide some charcoal, A3 cartridge paper, fixative spray, gesso and paint mediums to share amongst the group.

What students need to bring

• A jar for water
• Pencils and rubbers
• Acrylic paints - most importantly, the three primary colours: red, yellow, blue, plus a larger amount of white
• Brushes – a varied selection of different size brushes from large decorating to delicate sable rigger brushes
• Glue stick
• Palette knives and a large palette
• Plastic tubs or yoghurt pots for mixing paint
• Canvases and paper
• Rags/ sponges/ other mark-making tools
• Suitable clothing for painting
• Sketchbook

Available to buy

Available from shop: A good selection of art materials are available to buy, including:

• Acrylic paints
• Pencils
• Rubbers
• Masking tape
• Glue sticks
• Brushes – various sizes from large decorating to smaller, more delicate brushes
• Palette knives
• Palettes
• Canvases in various sizes
• Paper

Additional information

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

Arrival day - first date of course
Residential students can arrive from 4pm, non-residential students to arrive by 6.45pm for registration  
Student welcome, followed by dinner: 6.45pm (dinner included)
Teaching session: 8pm-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 (lunch included)  
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 - last date of course
Course teaching: 9.15am-3pm (lunch included)  
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.

Terms & Conditions