Ref: SWE36088
This course is a practical guide to the art of visual research, supporting you to advance your creative approaches to develop ideas in sketchbooks and make more informed artwork. Learn how to use a range of different drawing processes to explore a given theme, how to analyse your sources to develop your drawings, and use reflection and analysis to conceptualise your process and work.
We will consider how artists use different approaches to drawing in their sketchbooks to experiment with ideas in their work. These include drawing for observation, recording, thinking, experiencing and design. You will then research the subject through a series of drawing exercises. Your tutors will support you to analyse and review your chosen artwork and object, and how to apply that to develop your drawings and ideas.
You will present your findings and work with a plenary session, so that you leave the course with both research skills, developed ideas and steps to take forward after the course that support your independent practice. You can work in your current sketchbook, but, if its less than A4 size, please use a larger book.
By the end of the course, you will have increased your knowledge of your subject, learned how to use sketchbooks to visually research and develop your work, and how to critically reflect and review your ideas in constructive ways.
On this course the college will provide some black sugar paper, tracing paper, a glue stick, white cartridge paper, sketchbook and a dip pen per student, and some Indian ink, charcoal, masking tape and tissue paper to share amongst the group.
It may be useful to bring a device to do some research online. The media suite will be available for you to use.
Available from shop: A good variety of drawing materials and sketchbooks, including black ink, brushes, oil pastels, black pens, pencils, pencil sharpeners, glue sticks, fixative, white ink, etc.
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
Core Team Tutor - Foundation Diploma in Art and Design
Short Course Tutor
Rachel Larkins is a tutor on the FDAD program and has been teaching short courses at West Dean since 2017. Rachel holds a distinction level Masters in Sequential Design/ Illustration from Brighton University following an early training in Textile Art (BA Hons). Rachel's work encompasses drawing and narrative sculptures and is held in numerous private collections.
Programme Coordinator - Foundation Diploma in Art and Design
Tiffany Robinson studied interactive media for her MA (2005) making art films and immersive sci-art installations on perception and nanoscale. She is currently a tutor, mentor (The Art of Enquiry) and walking artist making intuitive drawings using natural and digital media. Her work deals with a post-modern estrangement from nature towards a being more than human through alignment with nature.
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.
