Ref: SSS39665
The human figure and the summer season have been a staple subject for artists throughout history, from John Singer Sargent’s paintings of languid figures reclining in the shade to Georges Seurat’s ‘A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte’. How the human form behaves in the light and the atmosphere of these hottest months will be the subject of this course.
Working from the model and outdoors, you will be guided through approaches in drawing and painting the figure from life, developing observational and imaginative approaches to picture making. Looking to artists past and present, you will create your own summer scene, inspired by the surrounds of West Dean Gardens, and using the figure as the staple subject.
Whilst the figure and summer are the main themes of the course, the fundamentals of oil painting and observational drawing will also be taught. The emphasis of the course will lie in helping you find an approach which you can perpetuate beyond the time at West Dean College, nurturing your idiosyncrasies and interests, celebrating the plurality of approaches to painting.
By the end of the course, you will be equipped with drawing, painting and observational skills which are applicable to your own work beyond the course. With an emphasis on encountering the subject and responding with earnestness and observation, it is hoped that by engaging with the figure in the context of the College’s rich surroundings, you will leave with an excitement to engage with in your own place and time.
Please note –this course is taught both in the studio and in the gardens. You should therefore be prepared to walk and carry your own painting kit.
Summer School Highlights
The Summer School week is an immersive learning experience with more time to develop your creativity and embrace opportunities for creative development beyond your chosen course. A detailed timetable for your Summer School week will be given to you on arrival. This will include:
All lunches and evening meals are provided for residential and non-residential students during summer school due to planned activities/events in the early evenings.
On this course, the College will supply some of the materials, including paper, charcoal, ink and some paint to get you started, alongside the model who will sit for the course.
Available from shop: A good variety of art materials including oil paints in a wide range of colours, brushes, palettes, canvases, oil painting paper, paint mediums and Zest-it solvent, sketchbooks, plus a variety of other drawing and painting materials and equipment
Please wear appropriate clothing/aprons for the workshop or studio, this includes stout covered footwear i.e. no open-toes or sandals.
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
All lunches and evening meals are provided for residential and non-residential students during Summer School due to planned activities/events in the early evenings.
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.
Several evening events are planned throughout the week, a detailed timetable for your Summer School will be given to you on arrival.
Tim Patrick (b.1988) is an artist based in London and the South West. Having initially trained in traditional portrait painting in Florence, Italy, Tim subsequently studied in Brighton and the Royal Drawing School in London. His work was recently exhibited in the 2018 Threadneedle Prize and various exhibitions in London.
Residential option available. Find out accommodation costs and how to book here.
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