Ref: SSW33192
This course will guide and support the process of making preparatory drawings in the grounds of West Dean to inform expressive landscape paintings made in the studio. You will be introduced to materials, techniques and inspirational landscape painters.
Saturday 10am – 5pm
From sketchbook to painting, this informative course will begin with an introduction to inspirational landscape painters, including J. M. W. Turner, Graham Sutherland, Ivon Hitchens and Judith Tucker, analysing both their sketchbooks and paintings. Following the presentation, you will be accompanied out into the grounds of West Dean College where you will have the opportunity to make field drawings/sketches of this magnificent landscape, alongside detailed instructions and demonstrations.
The day will progress back in the studio where you will be introduced to water-based media, including raw pigments and their binding agents, egg and gum-Arabic. You will have an opportunity to experiment and explore materials, tools and techniques, based on in-depth demonstrations and hand-outs, before applying this knowledge to your reconnaissance drawings made earlier.
Your field sketches will inform expressive paintings through a structured approach where you will be introduced to surface, scale, tone, colour and composition. By the end of the first day, you will have completed preparatory paintings based on your drawings before the next day’s landscape painting.
Sunday 9am – 4pm
The day will begin by reviewing your preparatory paintings made from your field sketches before scaling up or re-working your preparatory paintings into finished landscapes. Alongside examples and demonstrations, there will be one-to-one tutorials and a plenary/peer-review after lunch where you will have an opportunity to discuss and learn from your tutor and peers in a non-judgemental, friendly environment.
The aim of this course is to instil confidence in landscape painting by teaching underpinning values that you will be able to implement once home.
Timetable for 2 day, short weekend courses
Saturday, session one: 10am-1pm & 2-5pm. Please arrive by 9.45am.
Sunday, session two: 9am-1pm & 2-4pm.
Lunch and tea/coffee is included.
Subject tutor - BA (Hons) Art & Contemporary Craft
Short course tutor
Dr Melanie Rose is a painter exploring place.
Rose is a British Academy research scholar having been a Postdoctoral Fellow at the University of Leeds (LAHRI) 2022-2024 after successfully completing a practice-led PhD. Prior education includes an MA from Central Saint Martins, she is a member of Land2, PaC and Studio Without Walls and has work in both private and public collections.
Residential option available. Find out accommodation costs and how to book here.
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