This course intends to equip you with drawing and processing skills. You will work from a variety of source material and develop initial research drawings and model-making into ideas for artistic outcomes in two and three dimensions. The course aims to further your artistic journey and deepen your understanding of your processes, especially if you have experience in your craft and feel like you need to upskill in research drawing and idea development.

The tutor will lead you in a series of drawing exercises to loosen up, improve hand-eye coordination and observation skills and think creatively about the different approaches and intentions you can take to visually explore subject matter. You will draw in charcoal, graphite, pen, ink, monoprint and collage and create three dimensional sketches using paper. You will accumulate a mass of different drawings from objects and images relating to your own personal research.

You will then develop this research into ideas and visualisations for final outcomes in two or three dimensions. There will be guided drawing exercises with collage and monoprint, and you will learn how to use development drawings to explore abstraction. You will progress to a series of longer independent drawings. This will encourage you to look back on the approaches you have learnt to develop your own practice.

You will leave with new starting points for development of your personal practice, whether you are a potter, printmaker, jeweller, weaver, glass artist, textile maker or stone carver. This course will enhance your existing practice with renewed vigour and fresh ideas. The course would also benefit those building a personal portfolio or anyone who wants to get drawing fit.

Included

The College will provide some cartridge paper, sugar paper, newsprint, plastic rubber and roll of masking tape per student, and some charcoal and printing ink to share amongst the group.

All necessary equipment will be provided for use on the course.

What students need to bring

• Personal research work you may wish to bring and objects to draw
• Pencils and graphite sticks
• Papers for collage, no great expense, just anything collected already and free paper like brown packing paper or tissue paper, and any cardboard you may have
• Pritt stick/glue stick

Additional information

Please wear appropriate clothing/aprons for the workshop or studio, this includes stout covered footwear (no sandals or open toes).

Daily Timetable

Course teaching 11am–5.15pm
Students arrive 10.30am-11am (coffee optional)  
Morning teaching 11am-1pm
Lunch break between 1pm-2pm (lunch is not included)
Afternoon teaching 2pm-5.15pm (15 minute break, 3.30pm–3.45pm)
Teaching finishes 5.15pm  
 

Short courses are open to anyone aged 18 and over. The course fee covers tuition and materials where stated. You will need to bring all other items listed under the ‘Materials to bring’ section.

Refreshments

Coffee and tea are included in the course fee, but you will need to bring lunch with you to eat in the refreshments room. There are also plenty of other local venues to purchase food.

Access

If you have any specific access needs, we will need to know about your access requirements in advance. Please tell us about your needs in confidence by emailing: [email protected] This venue has steps to the front reception, with limited access via a side gate to the ground floor. There is a small lift to higher floors or stairs.

Safety

Short course students are required to sign a safety compliance form as part of West Dean Health and Safety regulations.

Refunds and cancellations

Please refer to our terms & conditions below.

Disclaimer

The information given is accurate at the time of publication. However, West Dean College reserves the right to cancel or amend courses if circumstances require.

Terms & Conditions