This course will teach you how to draw an architectural space as a one-point perspective using pencil and set square, as well as developing this drawing into an imaginary interior space inspired by surrealist painters using techniques such as ink and collage.

Perspective drawing marked a fundamental shift in viewing the world. Renaissance artist Fillipo Brunelleschi conducted an important experiment by using a mirror to draw the Florence baptistry in perfect one-point perspective. The drawing collapsed the depth of three-dimensional space onto a flat surface whilst preserving a realistic impression of the space, a concept lost since antiquity. A mirror image of reality was created.

You will go one step further. Rather than a mirror image of reality, you will design your own room of the imagination. Inspired by references from both art and architecture, from surrealist paintings by René Magritte and Giorgio de Chirico to architectural collages by Mies van der Rohe, you will construct a space of dreams, a space of probable and improbable situations. Building on West Dean’s surrealist heritage, founder Edward James’ obsession with surrealist art and the interior of Monkton House, you will experiment with perception, scale, illusion, texture and colour.

You will begin with a precise pencil drawing, a pure line drawing that sets out the architecture of your space: the vanishing point, horizon line and the placement of objects within the depth of the drawing.

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

Finally, you will populate the drawing by experimenting with different impromptu collage techniques such as paper cut outs or the direct application of household materials.

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 one-point perspective and made your own perspectival drawing using both precise architectural as well as artistic techniques.

Included

On this course the College will supply some of the materials including 300gsm hot pressed watercolour paper, a large set square, masking tape, drawing ink in a variety of colours (ochre, burnt sienna, indigo, black) and plastic pipettes

What students need to bring

• Watercolour brushes (very thin size 1 and medium size 4, or similar)
• Pencil, sharpener and eraser pencil
• A few small glass or plastic containers to distribute and mix inks
• Household materials and small objects for collage (for example fabrics, cards, leftover wallpaper, cotton balls, etc)
• Variety of old magazines for collage cutouts

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