Beginners Life Drawing

Pre-requisites for enrolment

An introductory course and no previous knowledge is assumed.

Special Information

This course will include a limited supply of basic papers and cards. However please do acquire the materials recommended for this course.

Materials you will need to bring to the first class:

• Several sheets of A1or A2 cartridge paper and/or cartridge sketchpad
• Masking tape
• Graphite pencils (HB, 2B and/or 4B)
• Willow stick charcoal
• Pencil eraser and putty rubber
• Spray fixative (a cheap no perfume hairspray is a good alternative)
• Protective clothes

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

• Sugar/pastel paper A1 or A2 (mid-tone (blue/green-grey)
• Soft pastels (24 or 36 or 48 half sticks of assorted colours (Inscribe brand recommended)

Content of Course

Over the 10 weeks the course will cover:

• Week 1 - Exploration of drawing media focusing on the representational and expressive qualities of line and the process of mark-making. Working with achromatic drawing there will be a focus on the basic skills in rendering the life model such as proportion, balance, weight, and building structure by form. Attention will be given to linear expression and gesture (pencil, willow stick and/or compressed charcoal). Several quick and one ‘worked’ drawing will demonstrate the above ideas.
• Week 2 – Further practice of basic drawing skills covered in week 1 to be continued.
• Week 3 - Tonal value and its relationship to three-dimension will be discussed and demonstrated by continuing with achromatic drawing. We will also explore the use of tonal value to create form, atmosphere and drama in life drawing. (materials can be the same as week 1 with the use of putty rubber or eraser). Several quick and at least one ‘worked’ drawing will demonstrate the above ideas.
• Week 4 - Further practice of techniques covered in week 3 and introduction to weeks 5 - 6.
• Week 5 and 6 - Working with monochromatic drawing materials, we will look at exploring limited colour in drawing with attention to building interest and focus in composition. We will also look at the focus of interest and the use of detail (dark tone pastel and white, white cartridge or toned pastel paper, and/or inks) Several quick and at least one ‘worked’ drawing will demonstrate the above ideas.
• Week 7 and 8 - Expanding into full-colour drawing - colour theory will be discussed and its use to create mood and dynamic compositions explored. We will also look at light and its effect on colour. (colour pastels, toned or coloured pastel paper) Several quick and at least one ‘worked’ drawing will demonstrate the above ideas.
• Week 9 and 10 - Personal approaches to life drawing - experimental or practice weeks, students will be encouraged to go over some of the exercises of previous weeks or explore mixed media and/or collage using the figure as reference. This is a chance to take their own initiative and experiment with materials and techniques (inks, oil bar, mix of collected paper, glue stick). Several drawings will demonstrate the ideas above.

Teaching method(s)

This course 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.

Each week, students’ progress will be monitored and supported by the tutor who will suggest follow up reading, research and practice to undertake each week to support their studies. Teaching will include practical demonstrations, one to one tuition, group discussions and critiques.

Learning outcomes

By the end of this course, students should be able to:

• Demonstrate basic knowledge of the anatomy, developing a confidence to represent the human form.

• Show a basic understanding of materials and techniques used to draw the human form.

• Apply a range of techniques and approaches for making original drawings.

Sources

Core Readings

Recommended:

• Gordon, L. (1998) Anatomy and Figure Drawing. London: B T Batsford.

Web Sources

Specific web resources may be provided by course tutors.

Class Handouts

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

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.