Ref: SLW35636
This course offers the opportunity to explore techniques and mixed media to develop a personal approach. Inspired by and working in West Dean Gardens, you will generate ideas through observations and creative drawing and painting approaches. You will create a concertina sketchbook with different viewpoints, drawings, textures and nature gathered from the garden, then you will return to the studio to develop your ideas. You will explore mixed media and creative approaches and be encouraged to be expressive whilst exploring acrylic paint, layering and collage techniques, which will enable you to develop your ideas into paintings with confidence to create exciting garden images.
You will develop an awareness of colour through studies and combinations, and you will work in a variety of scales using mixed media. This will include acrylic paint, mediums, inks, oil pastels and collage materials. You will learn to build a richness to the surface of your work with expressive drawing and mark-making, layering, colour, pattern and texture, whilst exploring collage and simple printing techniques.
The tutor will support you with a series of demonstrations, plus one-to-one guidance, to help you discover how to apply the techniques to your own work. You will complete a series of experimental studies and or work towards a finished piece(s).
Bring an open mind to experiment, and a joy of colour, pattern and texture.
The course fee includes the cost of providing some materials shared amongst the group, including a range of papers – cartridge, newsprint, tissue paper and sugar paper, some basic acrylic paints, inks, oil pastels, PVA glue and a 2-3cm flat brush. There will be printmaking tools and materials and some drawing materials to try.
Most importantly, bring an open mind and a joy in experimenting.
On this course, the tutor will supply most of the materials. Extra materials, if needed, can be purchased from the College Shop.
Available from shop: A good selection of art materials including papers, paints, pastels and brushes.
Please wear appropriate clothing/aprons for the workshop or studio, this includes stout covered footwear (no sandals or open toes).
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
Jo Dixon trained in Textiles and Print at Winchester School of Art and also completed a Foundation in Art Therapy at Bath Spa University. She has a PGCE and many years' experience of teaching adults and children of all ages and abilities. She exhibits her work regularly and has a series of limited edition Giclee prints available.
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.
