The course will explore the artist’s studio as a place to create new worlds, through a combination of observing still life and drawing from imagination. Beth will create a still life set-up from florals, vases, books and fabrics that you will explore through drawing, including the interior and how it can be inhabited. We will look at how artists have depicted studios, including Paul Cézanne, David Hockney and Andy Dixon, with a particular focus on Henri Matisse. You will analyse the relationship between line and form, examining Matisse’s use of line to create dynamic, fluid compositions, focusing on how his lines suggest movement and form. You will learn fundamental drawing techniques such as gesture drawing, contour line work and the study of light and shadow, inspired by Matisse's exploration of form and volume. You will improve your technical drawing skills through exercises based on Matisse’s approach to line and form. The morning session will begin by running through a short presentation on artists’ interpretations of the studio and how inspiration can be drawn from them throughout the day. You will also look at your tutor’s work and how she creates the compositions of her interior paintings. This will be followed by drawing exercises, including exploring drawing the studio from an unconventional perspective and simplifying perspective, echoing Matisse’s work where depth and dimensions are secondary to form. Our morning session drawings will be made using pencil and charcoal, allowing us to pay close attention to form, light, shadow and space. In the afternoon you will use colour.By the end of the course, you will have learnt fundamental drawing techniques in line, form and tone, and produced a series of drawings in both monotone and colour, based on still life in the studio environment.

Included

On this course, the college will provide a pack of colour pencils, a pack of oil pastels, an HB pencil, a 2B pencil, cartridge paper and an eraser per student. The tutor will provide some flowers to be included in the still life set-up.

What students need to bring

Optional

• You may bring any books or pieces of artwork that are personal to you that you would like to add to the still life composition that the group will be working from.

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