Ref: S4D32530
Developing our intuitive sense of design and composition is a creative process; encouraging, exploring and understanding that process is the purpose of this course.
What makes a painting or other artwork look right, i.e. convincing and complete? Are there basic principles that can shape our creative thinking, and, if so, how can we avoid the predictable and succeed in finding a personal voice of our own?
You will look at the work of some established artists, past and present, to compare underlying structures and discuss strengths and weaknesses. You will try different formats for yourself and will be given time to share and review your discoveries as you go along.
Establishing a strong framework before beginning a new work can liberate the imagination and get ideas flowing. The tutor will guide an imaginative series of practical studies, looking at the rich choices available to you to form such a framework: line, shape, colour, tone, texture, rhythm, space, etc. You will work in the medium of your choice, but are encouraged to try different techniques, materials, sensibilities and approaches to discover more effective ways of communicating your ideas, harnessing exciting new powers of expression, dramatic emphasis and balance.
The tutor will bring samples of her own work to share the thought process behind them, and she will demonstrate different approaches throughout the course.
If you wish to speak to the tutor in advance to discuss any aspect of the course, please let the bookings office know at [email protected] who will forward your details to the tutor. Please wear appropriate clothing/aprons for the workshop or studio. This includes stout covered footwear, i.e. no open-toes or sandals.
Your tutor likes to have a chat with students on the telephone prior to the course. This gives her the opportunity to find out about any special interests or focus areas you have, to tell you a bit more about the course and to answer any questions you may have. Your email and phone number will be passed on to her. If you would prefer the tutor not to contact you, please let the bookings office know.
Arrival Day - this is the first date listed above
Courses start early evening. Residential students to arrive from 4pm, non-residential students to arrive by 6.45pm.
6.45pm: Welcome, followed by dinner (included).
8 - 9pm: First teaching session, attendance is essential.
Daily timetable
Classes 9.15 - 5pm, lunch is included.
From 6.30pm: Dinner (included for residential students).
Evening working - students may have access to workshops until 9pm, but only with their tutor's permission and provided any health and safety guidelines are observed.
Last day
Classes 9.15am - 3pm, lunch is included.
Residential students are to vacate their rooms by 10am please.
(This timetable is for courses of more than one day in length. The tutor may make slight variations)
Teaching at West Dean since 2005, Maxine works across drawing, painting, printmaking, bookmaking and mixed media. Exhibits widely, runs a 3-floor gallery of her work in Gloucestershire, included in public and private collections around the world. Trained in London at Camberwell and the Slade. An elected member of the Royal West of England Academy.
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.
