Gain confidence to tackle drawing and painting the human head. The aim is to capture more than just a likeness, it is to convey the essence of the person, exploring sculptural qualities of the shapes and features using the tactile and physical properties of the drawing and painting mediums. You will also be encouraged to work directly and confidently with your materials, through liberating and focused exercises, to find ways of re-inventing how you draw and paint features.

The course begins with an introduction, which includes some practical work. You will move on to a series of exercises to help you loosen up and sharpen your observation and responses. You will complete many drawings and paintings from both short and long poses, on a large and small scale, using charcoal, pencil, felt pens, rubbers, rags and paint.

There will be a slide show of artists’ work, including: Frank Auerbach, Pablo Picasso, Alberto Giacometti, Francis Bacon and the tutor’s own work. There will be discussion on how the artists arrive at their finished pieces. There will also be discussions of students’ work in progress.

This exciting course is aimed at students of all levels of experience.

Included

• The model who will sit for the course

What students need to bring

• Lots of rags
• A1 cartridge paper, scene painter’s charcoal, black and white chalks
• Soft pencils, graphite pencils, rubbers, felt pens
• Pritt stick glue, masking tape
• Fixative, scissors, bulldog clips
• Paint – oil or acrylic paint, plus mediums
• If in doubt about materials, please consult the tutor at the beginning of the course.

Available to buy

• Available from shop:
• The College Craft shop stocks a good selection of painting and drawing materials, including A1cartridge paper, scene painter’s charcoal, black and white chalks, soft pencils, graphite pencils and rubbers.
• Pritt stick glue, masking tape, fixative, bulldog clips
• A good selection of oil and acrylic paints plus mediums

Additional information

Please wear appropriate clothing/aprons for the workshop or studio. This includes stout covered footwear, i.e. no open-toes or sandals.

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)

Terms & Conditions