Over this course you will work on drawing exercises and a portrait master copy under the guidance of your tutor.

The course is designed to help those of you wishing to learn or improve upon existing drawing skills by introducing key concepts such as values, light and form, to build upon this understanding when working on your own projects.

The first evening, we will discuss the plan for the course and you will prepare your paper ready to spend the following morning doing simple exercises in graphite that are designed to improve your understanding of the drawing fundamentals, as well as material handling. You will start by looking at how to simplify value arrangements and create three-dimensional form.

Once these exercises are complete, you will spend the remaining time working on a portrait master copy where you will put these skills in to practice. Starting with a two-dimensional block-in, you will then work through to a fully rendered portrait drawing in either pencil and/or charcoal. Proportion, gesture, the importance of shapes in capturing a likeness, keying the drawing (establishing our darks and lights), form modelling, edges and line quality will be discussed.

You can expect multiple critiques tailored to your individual requirements, and you should come away from the course with a sound overview of classical drawing methods that you can use to approach future work.

Included

• On this course the College will supply paper, charcoal and drawing fixative.

What students need to bring

• Graphite drawing pencils - 2B and H; any brand is fine
• Craft knife and sharpening pad
• Putty rubber
• Tombow hard eraser pen
• Small soft brush for moving graphite and charcoal around
• Knitting needle (or something similar for measuring)
• Something to carry work home in (suitable for carrying A2 paper size)

Available to buy

• Available from shop:
• A good variety of drawing materials including graphite drawing pencils, craft knives, putty rubbers, brushes, rulers and folders for carrying work home.

Additional information

Please wear appropriate clothing/aprons for the workshop or studio, this includes stout covered footwear (no sandals or open toes).

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)

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