Beginners Drawing

Pre-requisites for enrolment

This is a Level 7 course and as such is seen as 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:

• Sketch pad A2
• Graphite pencils (HB, 2B and/or 4B)
• Willow stick charcoal
• Putty rubber and a pencil eraser
• Pencil sharpener or craft knife
• Masking tape
• 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 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:

• Familiarisation and exploration of drawing media focusing on the representational and expressive qualities of line and the process of mark-making.
• Achromatic drawing - tonal value and its relationship to three dimensions will be discussed and demonstrated.   Negative space and its relationship to positive form will be explored.
• Monochromatic drawing – limited colour in drawing with attention to building interest and focus in a composition will be looked at and investigated.
• Colour theory will be discussed and its use to create mood and dynamic compositions explored in full-colour drawing.
• An introduction to the basics of perspective and its importance in creating a ‘believable space’ will be demonstrated.
• Drawing the human figure using skills gained in the course so far will be practised.
• Familiarisation and exploration of drawing techniques and media will be approached with a discussion on how to research creatively subjects personal to the student with the intention to develop individual drawing compositions.

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 drawing skills with increased confidence.

• Identify appropriate materials and techniques of drawing.

• 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.

• Stobart, Jane (2018) Extraordinary Sketchbooks. Herbert Press.

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.