Prose and poetry written about a work of art, known as ekphrastic writing, has a long tradition, from ‘The Iliad’ to Keats’s ‘Ode on a Grecian Urn’ and Tracy Chevalier’s ‘Girl with a Pearl Earring’. During this course, you will consider the many ways a painting can be used as the source of inspiration for a poem or story, including delving into setting, creating and deepening characters, generating atmosphere, investigating lyrical and figurative language, providing historical detail, and more. Previous knowledge of art or artists is not necessary, but where a student does have such knowledge, this can be called on.
The course is suitable for all writers, whether at the start of your writing journey, or further along and seeking ideas on how to expand and improve your prose or poetry or develop a longer project. It also provides a fun way into creative writing for anyone wanting to get a feel for the subject.
Working in a supportive, encouraging environment, you will explore ways of using paintings, including those on display at West Dean College, as inspiration through class discussions and written exercises. Regular feedback and guidance will be provided by the tutor, and there will be plenty of time for independent writing in and around the college’s inspirational setting.
By the end of the course, you will have developed an understanding of how paintings can be used to inspire creative writing. You will have written and edited several pieces, and you will leave with increased writing skills and the confidence to write more.
Notepad and pen, or Laptop
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.
Ruth Brandt’s short stories and flash fiction have been widely published. She won the Kingston University MFA Creative Writing Prize, and has been nominated for the Pushcart Prize, Write Well Award and Best Small Fictions Award. Her short story collection No One has any Intention of Building a Wall will be published by Fly on the Wall Press in 2021.
Residential option available. Find out accommodation costs and how to book here.
If you’re looking to complete the first draft of a novel and learn about the publishing process. The two-year, part-time MA Creative Writing and Publishing is taught by professional authors and visiting industry professionals. Find out more
