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Painting and Drawing
C00154

This structured course aims to give you a basic knowledge of the language of painting and drawing
through composed exercises.

Themes vary a little each term so you can practice, improve, and develop your skills whilst
investigating new subjects. Subjects include mostly still life, some portraiture, and some landscape
(Summer term, weather permitting).
See more below.

You will practice drawing from observation - learning how to look using simple measuring
techniques aimed at developing your confidence, then applying these skills in your own individual
interests and creativity.

You will learn how to plan a composition with the help of a viewfinder- finding an exciting layout
through preliminary studies

You will study colour theory and colour mixing, palette management, and a variety of painting
techniques.

The course will include a mini exhibition at the end of each session giving you the opportunity to
discuss your work and give and receive group feedback in a relaxed studio atmosphere.

You will explore and respond to images and re-creations inspired by artists of today. You will
develop an appreciation of fine art.

You can develop and interpret the different subjects in your own way. Your course tutor will guide
you through each session and recommend strategies and approaches to achieve your aims.
You will respond to new, exciting, and sometimes unusual subjects. You will be encouraged to try
out various methods, styles, and different ways to approach painting.

What will I achieve?
At the end of the course, you will have gained a good insight into various drawing and painting methods and techniques and how they can be used. You will develop a working methodology and be able to develop your own interpretation of a subject. You will be able to adapt methods used in class in your future works.

Course Content

Summer Term:

This term continues with some portraiture. If you are a newcomer or beginner to the subject or you would like to refresh your drawing & painting skills, as always, this terms course gives you the opportunity to begins with basics allowing you to learn observational skills through a range of fun portraiture exercises and then working from the clothed model for 2 or three week sessions.
For the beginner, the course is structured, so it covers a range of media, starting with the easiest and then working towards painting. For example initially drawing the face with charcoal, a putty rubber and a plastic rubber will be the start of your exploration, while later you will investigate face colour by mastering drawing with chalk pastels (best suited to the stage between drawing and painting), before finally moving on to painting (oils or acrylics) where more organisation of materials is necessary. If you feel you are not ready for painting, you are very welcome to take this step in your development at a later stage or in a new term.

If you are a returning student or you are an intermediate or advanced learner this course will allow you to master your skills in painting and develop and let you focus on your preferred individual style. You will continue where you left off, for example you will have the opportunity to interpret the subject in a more inventive way (for example the level of abstraction is up to you) and experiment with new media. For ideas and added inspiration poses are influenced by historical and contemporary artists where you can and learn from and try out an artists technique, compositions or colours.

After the half term we will move to a new subject, Landscape and Cityscapes in the Richmond area (weather permitting, eventually meeting out doors for lessons). The Summer term is the perfect time of the year to get out of the studio and a great opportunity to experience this subject close to the college or further away depending on students. Again, this subject begins with basic exercises first -perspective, trees and plants, the river, the sky and architectural settings before moving on to capturing more elaborate panoramic views for example. There will also be a power point presentation where you can study different landscape paintings.

Autumn Term:
Drawing with Accuracy - simple objects and still life set ups and after half term an Introduction to Colour. Then elaborate still life arrangements inspired by historical and contemporary still life artists.

Spring Term:
More elaborate still life arrangements (inspired by historical and contemporary still life artists) and after half term fun portraiture exercises and The Clothed Model (two or three week poses inspired by historical and contemporary portraits artists).

Entry Requirements

To be eligible for this course you must be 19 or over on 31st August prior to the course start date.

Open to all.
This course is suitable for all levels. It is a mixed ability level class, with some returning students. Beginners and newcomers are very welcome and will thrive in a mixed ability class because you can see what's possible and learn from fellow students in friendly class surroundings.

You will have had an introduction into drawing / painting as well as have the opportunity to refresh and recap basic drawing and painting skills. This course is also suitable for those looking to further develop their style.

Your course is available on Moodle (Learning environment). It is an integral part of the course.
Please log in and view your course from any computer at college or at home. You can read up on
and catch up on detailed instructions before every lesson. You will find out more about what materials to bring and what you will be doing. Additional information is there to inspire you and for research. Additional information includes information for new students, links to YouTube videos on painting & drawing methods, artists talking about their work, photos of still life objects from past lessons (to finish work at home), handouts and timetables.

First Class Requirements

Willow charcoal, putty rubber, plastic erasure (for pencil), hairspray (fixative spray), masking tape. Paper can be bought in the classroom.

Please note: The model fees for portraiture sessions in terms 2 & 3 are included in the course fees

Attendance Requirements

It is advisable to attend the class regularly as some classes will be based on previous knowledge and experience, however, if you miss a class the tutor will do the best, he/she can to fill in the gaps.

To avoid disappointment, it is advisable to enrol early to ensure a place for the next term

Assessment Methods

There is no formal assessment for this course, but your progress will be monitored via group and individually tuition, demonstrations and corrections, visual presentations, and handouts via Moodle. You will be taught by tutor-led discussions. You will be given regular verbal feedback with suggestions as to how you could improve your work.

Further Study Options

Masterclass C01992

Painting & Drawing Projects C01556

Additional Information

If you require further course information or advice & guidance that is not answered in this outline, please email: art@rhacc.ac.uk.

If you would like general information about the college, for example, fees & finance, funding, term dates or opening times please email info@rhacc.ac.uk or drop in to our main reception area.

For information on course fees and how to get additional help to pay for them look at our How to Pay for Your Course section.