Art and Environment (10 credit points)

Special Information

In addition to the course fee, students are expected to provide the following list of indicate tools, materials and equipment:

• Sketchbook - A sketchbook will be a vital piece of equipment for students to work in, whatever size of sketchbook is most convenient to carry especially for research ‘in the field’

• A number of surfaces to be worked on with drawing materials, paint, collage and mixed media; card, paper, board, mdf, canvas, etc.

• A graphite stick or graphite pencil

• Charcoal pencil, charcoal

• Putty rubber

• Small bottle of black ink

• A clear oil bar

• A white oil pastel or oil bar

• A few Conte crayons or pastels in a range of colours

• A basic range of colours in a range water based paints such as watercolour, acrylic or gouache

• Water soluble pencils or crayons

• Two or three brushes of different sizes (soft ‘sable type’ brushes or acrylic equivalent)

• Bits of sponge or rag

• A small plastic water jar

• A small piece of plastic that can be used as a palette

Content of Course

Over the class sessions the course will cover:

1. General introduction to the areas to be explored.

2. Human-nonhuman relations/drawing exercises.

3. Artists and environmentalism/exploration of materials.

4. Public art / application of research ideas.

5. Eco-art / begin to develop themes of personal interest.

6. Apply relevant techniques and ideas for project.

7. Continue to develop personal themes.

8. Begin working towards finished project.

9. Work towards finished project.

10. Realisation of personal project.

Teaching method(s)

The teaching will be based and delivered in specialist art and design studios or workshops and will typically include a range of practical exercises, introductions to techniques, processes and concepts, and set projects which lead to more focused and personal exploration. Over the course, students’ progress will be monitored and supported by the tutor.  Teaching will include practical demonstrations, one to one tuition, group discussions and critiques.

For work required to be undertaken after the class hours are complete, the course tutor will set students a ‘directed study plan’ which can be undertaken without the need for specialist workshops or access to models.

Directed study will include research into a range of suggested artists and their associated movements to engender a contextual awareness. Students are expected to demonstrate how their research has informed their work through annotated sketchbooks, a visual digital journal and practical outcomes. 

The Directed Study Plan will include preparing evidence of research and practical work to form an appropriate presentation for assessment.

Learning outcomes

On completion of this course, the student will be able to:

• Demonstrate the capacity for self-directed research, extended into practical projects which consider the environmental and public artworks, supported by contextual research and references.

• Show a confidence in expanding a range of research into a personal and practical project, which is expressed through a contemporary drawing and painting language.

• Evidence appropriate judgement to document, select, edit and present a body coherent works that synergises students’ personal research of environmental themes into studio practices.

Sources

Core Readings

Recommended:

• KATNER, J., Wallis, B, 1998 Land and Environmental Art, London: Phaidon Press

• ANDREWS, M., 1999, Landscape and Western Art  Oxford: Oxford University Press

• BAKER, B., 2000, The Postmodern Animal, Reading: Reaktion

Web Sources

http://www.rmit.edu.au/art/artandenvironmentalsustainability

http://www.antennae.org.uk/

http://greenmuseum.org/what_is_ea.php

Class Handouts

Course information will be provided on enrolment and handouts provided during the course.

Assessment

Details of the Art and Design assessment requirements can be found on the short course website. Please click on the following link for more information: Submission and Assessment Information

Studying for Credit

If you choose to study for credit you will need to allocate significant time outwith classes for coursework and assessment preparation. Credit points gained from this course can count towards the Certificate of Higher Education.

Queries

If you have questions regarding the course or enrolment, please contact COL Reception at Paterson's Land by email COL@ed.ac.uk or by phone 0131 650 4400.

Student support

If you have a disability, learning difficulty or health condition which may affect your studies, please let us know by ticking the 'specific support needs' box on your course application form. This will allow us to make appropriate adjustments in advance and in accordance with your rights under the Equality Act 2010. For more information please visit the Student Support section of our website.