An experimental drawing course where you will be encouraged to learn playful drawing techniques alongside more focused observations considering scale and composition. You will be guided to work intensely, rapidly, abstractly and prolifically using a variety of materials. You will learn how to make simple drawing tools and how to experiment with them. Your inspiration will be still life and nature.

This course is suitable for experienced students and beginners alike, where you will find confidence in working with new techniques and a wide variety of captivating drawing mediums to create artworks, shifting from minimal to maximal approaches to rethink aesthetics.

This is an opportunity to reconnect deeply with creative practice, build confidence and skills whilst encouraging spontaneity, experimentation and learning, often with unexpected and exciting results. You will be supported and guided by your tutor throughout

Included

On this course the College will supply some of the materials, including a chunky soluble graphite pencil, watercolour and cartridge paper per student and some newsprint, lining paper, sugar paper, willow charcoal and some chalk pastels to share amongst the group.

What students need to bring

• A variety of drawing materials, including:
• A variety of graphite pencils (HB, 2B and 4B)
• Pencil sharpener
• Chunky graphite stick
• Putty rubber
• Black Indian ink, white ink, ink dip pen
• Conté sticks in black, brown and white and a black Conté pencil
• Coloured drawing inks
• A flat brush and a round brush
• A sketchbook and notebook

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