This course takes a very simple over-drawing technique as a starting point for students of all experience levels to combine a wide variety of subject matter in unexpected combinations and develop these drawings into paintings, collage or multimedia works on paper during the course of the day.As part of the workshop, we will discuss what the technique teaches us about human perception and how painting and drawing throughout history has informed the way in which humans interpret the world visually, particularly in relation to place and time. You can leave behind any inhibitions about making abstract or representational work as the technique uses representational source images as starting points but can be taken in a variety of directions.You are asked to bring images of places, artworks, paintings, landscapes or objects that are meaningful or interesting to you, printed out on standard A4 paper. Print quality is not of huge concern; black and white or colour images are equally suitable. Images of landscapes (paintings or photographs) tend to provide the most successful starting points, but it is up to each of you. 5-10 images will be sufficient, but the more varied the better. The tutor will bring some images to the workshop for you to use if you wish, but it’s preferable if you have chosen your own images.The course will start with a short presentation by the tutor to provide some art historical contexts for the approach, with particular reference to the idea of the picturesque. The drawing workshop will follow this.During the afternoon session, you will develop your drawings further and experiment with different approaches and media. The outcome will be one or more works which may or may not bear any resemblance to the original source material.

Included

On this course the tutor will provide some printouts of extra images to be used in addition to your own images if required. The college will provide some paper for you to work on, masking tape and a soft graphite stick.

What students need to bring

• At least 5 images (but ideally up to 15) of places, artworks, paintings, landscapes or objects that are meaningful or interesting to you, printed out on standard A4 paper. Print quality is not of huge concern; black and white or colour images are equally suitable. - Any drawing or water-based media you are keen to work with. This could include pencils, crayons, markers, inks, watercolour paint, gouache paint, acrylic paint, coloured paper and glue for collage. - Your own brushes and painting equipment, such as palette knives and mixing pots (plastic tray palettes are available for you to use).- Non-water-based paint (i.e. oil paint) is not suitable for this workshop.

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