Foundation Drawing (Credit) (10 credit points)

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
• Assortment of small sheets of paper – brown and/or other wrapping types, colour paper, newspaper, etc. (if desired)
• Pencils (HB, 2B, and /or 4B and/or 6B)
• Willow charcoal (medium)
• Soft pastels (24 or 36 or 48 half sticks of assorted colours - Inscribe brand recommended)
• Putty rubber and a pencil eraser
• Masking tape
• Spray fixative (a cheap hairspray is a good alternative)
• Protective clothing

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)
• Assortment of other collected and/or prepared paper (if desired)
• Inks, assorted ink pens, resist wax/crayon and pointed round soft paintbrush (if desired)
• Scissors (if desired)

Content of Course

Over the class sessions the course will cover:

1. Familiarisation and exploration of drawing media focusing on the representational and expressive qualities of line and the process of mark-making.

2. 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.

3. Monochromatic drawing – limited colour in drawing with attention to building interest and focus in a composition will be looked at and investigated.

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

5. An introduction to the basics of perspective and its importance in creating ‘believable space’ will be demonstrated.

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

7. Familiarisation and exploration of drawing techniques and media with a discussion on how to research creatively subjects personal to the student with the intention to develop individual drawing composition.

8. Ability to undertake research and reflective practice and apply these in the context of drawing.

9. Observation and measurement from life / comparative analysis.

10. Understanding visual composition.

11. Participation in a discussion.

12. Knowledge of the anatomy of the human body.  Understanding of proportion and form.

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 a range of personal drawing approaches and techniques for recording and developing visual information and contextual research.

• Show a series of drawings which investigate and demonstrate an informed understanding of the fundamental techniques, employing appropriate approaches in developing personal ideas.

• Demonstrate an awareness to document, select and edit a body of coherent drawings for presentation.

Sources

Core Readings

Recommended:

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

• SABARSKY, S., 1985, Kokoschka: Early drawings and watercolours, 1906-1924, London: Thames and Hudson Ltd

• EISLER, G.,  1977. From naked to nude: life drawing in the twentieth century. London: Thames & Hudson.

• GORDON, L., 1998, Anatomy and Figure Drawing, London: Batsford

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.