Beginners Painting

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.

This course requires you to bring their own art and design materials. Most of these can be sourced and purchased in advance from any good art material supplier such as the Art Shop at ECA Lauriston Place Campus. Essential items not readily available will be provided during classes and you will be invoiced at the end of the course for items used. Listed below are the materials and equipment requirements for this course and an estimated cost. You are advised not to purchase any materials until you have received confirmation the course is running – usually 7 days before the start of the course.  You will be guided by the tutor as to which materials you need to bring to classes each week.

Essential materials you will need to bring to the first class:

• A selection of pencils (HB, 2B and/or 6B)

• Willow stick charcoal

• An eraser and white putty rubber

• 2-3 sheet of A2-A1 white cartridge paper and/or sketchbook (A2 or A3 size)

• Ruler

• Scissors

• Masking tape

• Fixative (cheap alternative to art fix is fine hairspray – unperfumed)

• Acrylic gesso primer

• Basic acrylic paint set (could include - lemon yellow, cadmium yellow, yellow ochre, cadmium red, crimson red, ultramarine blue, cerulean blue, burnt sienna, burnt umber, white and titanium white)

• Various paint brushes for acrylics (round paintbrush no. 6 size with smooth soft hair and pointed tip and flat shape brushes)

• Sponges, rags

Content of Course

Over the 10 weeks the course will cover:

1. Familiarisation and exploration of paint media focusing on the representational and expressive qualities of application - brush work and colour mixing.

2. Achromatic and monochromatic painting - tonal value (light and shadow) and its relationship to three dimensions will be discussed and demonstrated.   Negative space and its relationship to positive form will be explored.

3. Compositions continued from week 2.

4. Colour theory will be discussed and its use to create mood and dynamic compositions explored in full colour painting.

5. Compositions continued from week 4.

6. Painting the human figure using skills gained in the course so far will be practised.

7. Figure painting continued

8. Familiarisation and exploration of painting techniques and media with discussion regarding researching creatively subjects personal to the student with the intention to develop compositions.

9. Further development of painting projects.

10. Resolving 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 painting skills with increased confidence;

• Show a basic understanding of the materials and techniques of painting;

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

Sources

Core Readings

Recommended:

• Arikha, A. (1988) Avigdor Arikha: paintings, pastels, and drawings, 1986-1988. New York: Marlborough Gallery.

• Crowe, V. (2009) Victoria Crowe: painted insight. Woodbridge: Antique Collectors' Club.

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

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.