Ref: SWE40850
Working at your own pace in a relaxed atmosphere, this course offers an opportunity to learn about and experience drawing with different types of coloured pencils and papers. Techniques for drawing, mixing and layering colour will also be explored. You will begin to recognise the particular values of different pencil types and paper surfaces, as well as how to regulate pressure and pencil strokes for particular effects.
Botanical work is detailed and requires precise observation and drawing to create an accurate depiction that appears three-dimensional. The accurate replication of colour is also important. It would be helpful to have a small sketchbook (perhaps A5) dedicated to testing colour mixes and practising techniques for colour build up through layering and blending. This will form the basis of a personal reference book for techniques and colour work, which can be continually experimented in to refine ideas and increase confidence and curiosity.
You will be given some guidance with composition and presentation, with individual attention as needed, as well as demonstrations of techniques and discussions about equipment and troubleshooting.
By the end of the course, you will have expanded your knowledge of colour application, technique and pencil use from experimentation and practical application. You will have developed your confidence to continue with your study or composition at home.
On this course, the tutor will supply some of the materials, including small testing paper samples and a wide variety of pencil types for you to try.
The College will supply some plants from the gardens.
Since the weather is becoming less predictable, it may be helpful to start gathering some suitable subject materials earlier in the season, such as conkers and other tree seeds. Please bring any foraged items that you would find interesting to work with, such as nuts, seeds/seed heads, berries, cones, leaves, apples, crab apples, plums, sloes, hips, medlars and quinces.
Available from shop: Pencils, pencil sharpener, putty eraser, plastic eraser, sketchbooks, paper – 300gsm cartridge paper, hot pressed 300gsm watercolour paper and Bristol board, low tack masking tape
Available from tutor: The tutor will bring a limited selection of coloured pencil types/colours, paper types - available by the sheet.
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.
Susan Christopher-Coulson gained a BA (Hons) in fashion design at Kingston Art School. Whilst working in the London fashion industry, Susan also taught part-time on the Art Foundation Course at Colchester Institute. Susan returned to drawing natural history and botanical subjects. Following the success of her first solo exhibition, botanical work became the focus of her work, which has gained many awards including two RHS gold medals.
Residential option available. Find out accommodation costs and how to book here.
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