Learn how to construct an axonometric drawing of architectural objects in the environment using pencil and set square, as well as developing your drawing into an imaginary landscape using drawing inks.

Axonometric drawing is a fundamental tool of the architect. Unlike a perspective drawing which mimics the way our eyes perceive the world, an axonometric drawing is an abstraction. We cannot see this way. Three-dimensional objects are drawn with parallel lines and to scale. As such, it is a very useful drawing technique for anyone interested in the fields of design, sculpture and architecture. At its core, the axonometric allows you to precisely design objects and spaces.

You will go one step further. Rather than using axonometric drawing to depict reality, you will construct an imaginary landscape inspired by surrealist painter, Paul Nash and ancient historic structures such as Avebury and Stonehenge. ‘Landscape from a Dream’ is the title of a Paul Nash painting from 1936-38 showing a surreal arrangement of objects, some from the material world and others from the unconscious, along the Dorset coast. Building on Nash’s paintings, you will experiment with the composition of objects, their scale, shadow, texture and colour.

After an introduction to axonometric drawing and a few sketch exercises, you will begin with a precise pencil drawing, a pure line drawing that sets out the architecture of your landscape, the choice of objects, their size and placement in the environment. A series of photographs and sketches will help you in setting up your composition.

In a second step, you will work into the pencil drawing using inks and adding detail, colour and shadow to your drawing.

Throughout the course, you will receive helpful tips on technique and tools. The tutor will demonstrate all the various stages in making the drawing.

By the end of the course, you will have gained knowledge on the principles of axonometric drawing and made your own drawing using both precise architectural as well as artistic techniques.

Included

On this course the College will supply most of the materials, including a sheet of Arches Aquarelle 640gsm hot pressed watercolour paper, 1 x 56 x 76cm and a sheet of Bockingford Hot Pressed Watercolour paper 300gsm, 1 x A1 per student. The college will also provide Rohrer & Klingner calligraphy and drawing ink, 50ml, in a variety of colours (ochre, burnt sienna, umber, indigo, old golden green, black), masking tape and plastic pipettes to share amongst the group.

What students need to bring

• Watercolour brushes (very thin size 1, medium size 4, large size 8) or similar Mottler watercolour brush, between 50-80mm
• Pencil, sharpener and eraser pencil
• A few small glass or plastic containers to distribute and mix inks
• Inspiration, e.g. postcards, photographs, paintings of objects in the environment

Available to buy

Available from shop: A good variety of art materials, including, watercolour brushes in a range of sizes, drawing materials, inks and watercolour paper, etc.

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 6.45pm for registration
6.45pm: Welcome, followed by dinner (included)
8 - 9pm: First teaching session, attendance is essential

Daily timetable
Course teaching 9.15am - 5pm (lunch included)
Dinner: from 6.30pm (included for residential students)
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 (lunch included)
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

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