Ref: SWE39978
Charcoal is a drawing medium capable of expressing a great range of marks, from very delicate modulations of tonal values through to broad and dramatic marks that convey extraordinary power and conviction. The dark marks against a white surface give charcoal its exciting and authoritative note. Through charcoal, you are able to communicate directly to the viewer your spontaneous expression of feeling and pictorial thinking.
You will be introduced to a variety of approaches to drawing and encouraged to develop your own range of expression with charcoal, both technically and intellectually. Your subjects are landscape (depending on the weather) still life and interiors. These approaches allow you to discover how to apply basic drawing principles.
You will make delicate tonal studies, along with small and large scale work. There is also discussion on other artists work in charcoal.
You will look at the variety of charcoals, types of drawing surface and some additional tools that can be used with this medium. You will work on-site, as well as in the studio, on large scale work.
The tutor will set in place a series of technical ideas connected with charcoal, which you can later use in your own work. The study of technique cannot be separated from ways of seeing and from perception, so these elements are integrated. Objective observation and basic drawing principles will give you the confidence to develop a more individual interpretation of your subject.
The College will provide most of the materials including cartridge paper, watercolour paper in 190gsm and 425gsm, Canson Ingres pastel paper, charcoal, chalk, a blending stump, craft knife and a rubber will be provided per student plus some fixative and masking tape to share.
Make a charcoal copy of a favoured charcoal drawing and bring along. You will be working on the first evening in charcoal. Two rags and an apron
Available from shop: The shop stocks a good selection of drawing materials, including:
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.
Christopher Baker is an artist and author and had a leading role playing himself in the feature film Archipelago. He exhibits in the UK and Europe as well as Canada, including the Royal Academy Summer Exhibitions, Pallant House Gallery (Chichester) and Medici Gallery Cork Street, New English Art Club, LondonDescribe your approach to teaching?
Residential option available. Find out accommodation costs and how to book here.
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