Ref: S3D35535
Explore how to use your photographs as a starting point to stimulate new directions in your art. The course will provide unique ways of thinking about your subject matter, and the means to make new work with momentum in future.
The course will begin with a series of drawing exercises to explore your creative process and stimulate new ideas. You will then take a series of photographs – using a phone, tablet or camera – in the house and gardens of West Dean, led by the tutor. You will then print paper copies of these photographs as a starting point for the new work.
Examining your photographs, you will identify and develop aspects of the image, and explore themes and motifs of your choosing. You will hone your creative analytical skills as you apply deconstruction/reconstruction techniques to the photographs and resulting drawings. You will examine these in more depth through one-to-one conversations with your tutor and with the group.
Using drawing and mark-making skills that focus on line, surface, texture and pattern, you will experiment with more abstract, non-representational drawing and collage techniques, working with pencils, inks and gouache.
Through this intense course, you will learn how one idea can lead to another, providing you with a range of material that references your artistic process. You will leave the course with a fresh understanding and increased confidence in generating your own ideas. You will have worked with new techniques and a range of paper-based materials. You will have completed new works, and identified processes and subjects for future work.
The course fee includes the cost of providing some paper, pencils, coloured pencils, inks, gouache and neutral pH adhesive (archival PVA glue) shared amongst the group.
Please bring a selection of coloured pencils and any other water-based drawing and painting materials you like to work with, plus brushes and a palette.
You will be taking pictures during the course. However, do feel free to bring a selection of photographs, your own or found images from magazines, etc., that you may additionally like to use during the course.
Other collage materials you might like to use, for instance: wrapping paper, magazines, old books, maps, cards and photographs
You need to be able to take a photo on your device (phone, tablet or camera) and print from it at the College. There are different ways to do this:
Available from shop: A good variety of general art materials, including coloured pencils, water-based drawing and painting materials, brushes and palettes
Please wear appropriate clothing/aprons for the workshop or studio. This includes stout covered footwear, i.e. no open-toes or sandals.
Arrival day
Residential students can arrive from 4pm, non-residential students to arrive by 6.45pm for registration
6.45pm: Welcome, followed by dinner (included)
8 - 9pm: First teaching session, attendance is essential
Daily timetable
Course teaching 9.15am - 5pm (lunch included)
Dinner: from 6.30pm (included for residential students)
Evening working: students may have access to workshops until 9pm, but only with permission from the tutor and provided any health and safety guidelines are observed
Departure day
Course teaching: 9.15am - 3pm (lunch included)
Residential students will need to check out of rooms by 10am
Please note, the tutor may make slight variations to the daily timetable as required
Annabel Tilley, graduate of the University of Brighton and shortlisted for the Jerwood Drawing Prize, has a drawing-based and sketchbook practice and has exhibited widely and undertaken several residencies. She is a lecturer, co-author of What they didn't teach you in art school (Octopus Books, 2016) and co-Founder of Zeitgeist Arts Projects (2012-2015).
Residential option available. Find out accommodation costs and how to book here.
Take the next step in your creative practice, with foundation level to Masters in Fine Art study.
Depending on your experience, start with an Online Foundation Certificate in Art and Design (one year, part-time), a Foundation Diploma in Art and Design made up of 10 short courses taken over two years (part-time) or advance your learning with our BA (Hons) Art and Contemporary Craft: Materials, Making, and Place (six years part-time). All will help you develop core skills, find direction in your practice and build an impressive portfolio in preparation for artist opportunities or higher-level study. See all degree and diploma courses.
