We will explore the possibilities of using old paintings, pieces of cloth and found and photocopied images, as a stimulus for the creation of new ideas. Trained in fine-art painting, Cas often uses the painted surfaces from discarded drawings and paintings as a base for developing small landscape-based collages. The value of these open-ended samples, often based on simple colour choices, are usually informed by her direct emotional and visceral response to the landscape as an exploration of possibilities.

On the day we will: Explore the combination of paper, cloth and stitch using a limited range of materials as an integral part of the process of experimentation. Investigate different weights, surfaces and texture of our materials. Use old paintings/drawings in combination with mark-making on watercolour paper (or similar) as a means to develop a few landscape-inspired coloured backgrounds.
Combine these papers with cloth fragments to suggest a simplified landscape studies in small format.

The workshop starts with a brief practical session in mark-making and other colour application, followed by an exploration of methods used to join pieces together. As we progress, you will incorporate your own ideas, as well as create sketches, samples and notes for further reference.

You will leave the course with a sound basis of processes and working samplers, or foundation pieces which you can continue to build on and develop at home.

Included

On this course the College will supply some of the materials and equipment, including a sheet of watercolour paper and a small piece of muslin. You will also have shared use of a sewing machine, machine threads and additional scissors/cutting tools.

What students need to bring

• A selection long-fibred or robust paper: watercolour/drawing cartridge papers have long fibres. Discards from your printing, drawing or painting experiments. Before you attend the workshop, copies of paper items, maps, photocopies and items gathered on your day-to-day journeys are useful things to collect.
• Small selection of found cloth, e.g. cotton, calico, muslin, scrim, linen, silk - pre-washed and ideally varying in colour, texture, pattern and tone (parts of clothing, patterned and plain fabric)
• Your favoured drawing media/paints (not oil paints), which can include any of the following: small tubes of acrylic, inks, watercolours, water soluble coloured pencils, wax crayons, etc.
• 2 -3 brushes
• Glue stick or similar
• Paper scissors/craft knife
• Hand stitching kit containing scissors, including a sharp pointed needle with a good eye for paper and fabric, additional pins/needles
• Hand threads and one or two reels of machine threads, according to your chosen colour scheme. Variety of textures
• Camera for documentation
• Notebook
• You may work in colours of your choosing, but please only select enough found materials to fit in a small bag.

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: 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