Foundation Painting (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) and/or separate sheets of thick cartridge paper
• Card (if desired)
• Masking tape
• Acrylic gesso primer (small)
• 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)
• Various paint brushes for acrylics (round paintbrush no. 6 size with smooth soft hair and good pointed tip and flat shape brushes)
• Sponges, rags, rollers
• Paint pallet (Stay-wet type if desired - A large box/tin with lid, a clean rag and grease-proof or sheets of thin tracing paper can be used together to make this)
• Protective clothing

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

• Assortment of other paint surfaces (if desired)
• Watercolour paper (cold press 300gsm/140lb) if desired.
• Pencils (HB, 2B, and /or 4B and/or 6B) if desired for sketching
• Willow charcoal (medium) if desired for sketching
• Soft pastels (24 or36 or 48 half sticks of assorted colours - Inscribe brand recommended) if desired for sketching
• Putty rubber and/or a pencil eraser for use in sketching if needed
• Spray fixative (a cheap hairspray is a good alternative) for use in sketching if needed

Content of Course

Over the class sessions the course will cover:

1. Familiarisation and exploration of paint media focusing on the representational and expressive qualities using various techniques and processes of mark making with brush and other tools. Colour mixing and basic theory. Exploring initial stages of painting.

2. Achromatic painting - tonal value and its relationship to three dimensions will be discussed and demonstrated. A look at how drawing can inform painting and vice versa. Negative space and its relationship to positive form will be explored.

3. An introduction to the basics of perspective and its importance in creating ‘believable space’ will be demonstrated. The use of limited colour in painting with attention to building form, creating distance, and the play of light. Interest and focus in a composition will be investigated.

4. Figure painting using skills gained on the course so far will be practised.

5. Colour theory will be discussed and its use to create mood and dynamic compositions explored in figure painting.

6. Familiarisation and exploration of painting techniques and media with a discussion on how to research creatively subjects personal to the student with the intention to develop individual compositions.

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 painting approaches and techniques for recording and developing visual information, supported by contextual research.

• Show a series of paintings 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 paintings for presentation.

Sources

Core Readings

Recommended:

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

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

• STORR, R., 1998, Chuck Close, New York: Museum of modern art

• CROWE, V., 2009, Victoria Crowe: painted insights, Woodbridge: Antique Collectors' Club.

• David C. Levy, Barbara Rose, Jacquelyn Days Serwer, 2002, Larry Rivers: Art and the Artist, London: A Bullfinch Press Book, Little Brown and Company

• SCHIELE, E., LEOPOLD, R. & LIEVEN, A., 1973, Egon Schiele: paintings,    watercolours, drawings, London: Phaidon Press.

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.