Life Drawing: Exploring Line and Tone (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:

• A1 or A2 cartridge paper - 1 sheet

• Charcoals - willow and compressed - 1stick of each

• Soft putty rubber

• HB, B, 2B, 6B pencils

• Graphite stick

• Pencil sharpener or craft knife

• Masking tape

• Sketchbook A3 or A4

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

• A selection of drawing papers-sheets of A2 or larger

• Chalk pastels or conte sticks

• Charcoal pencil

• White chalk

• Black drawing ink

• Drawing nib or dip pen for ink

• Black waterproof fine liner pen

• Coloured drawing inks optional

• White oil bar

• Small and medium brushes for ink and wash

• Graphite stick

• Fixative

• White acrylic paint- optional

• Oil pastels -optional

• Sponges and rags

• Apron or old shirt

Content of Course

Over the class sessions the course will cover:

1 .Introduction to a range of drawing methods to define shade, depth, weight, form and movement.

2. Working directly from the model each week to capture a variety of poses, shapes and anatomical detail.

3. Consider historical and contemporary drawings by artists whose work features the human form.

4. Combining different techniques to describe the line, tone and form of the figure e.g. line with shading or hatching, line with wash, layering wet and dry materials.

5. The use of non-traditional drawing tools.

6. Working on a variety of papers and grounds.

7. Focus on how anatomical detail changes to support the weight bearing and strain.

8. Development of personal practice and approach to life drawing.

9. A series of discussions and group critiques relating to the various exercises and project themes.

10. Keep a log / blog during the period of the course to record learning, achievements and challenges.

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 or designers and their associated movements to engender a contextual awareness of the sculpted figure in visual culture. The Directed Study Plan will include preparing evidence of research and practical work to form an appropriate presentation for assessment.

Students are expected to demonstrate how their research has informed their work through annotated sketchbooks, a visual digital journal and practical outcomes. 

Learning outcomes

On completion of this course, the student should be able to:

• Demonstrate an understanding of the structure and basic anatomy of the human form through observational studies, research and contextual references.

• Show a confidence and enquiring use of materials and processes to investigate drawing approaches.

• Select, edit and present a body of drawings and research which demonstrate a considered and personal approach to the human figure.

Sources

Core Readings

Recommended but not essential:

• ROYAL ACADEMY OF ARTS, 2018. Klimt Schiele Drawings, From the Albertina Museum, Vienna. Royal Academy of Arts, London.

• MASLEN, M. SOUTHERN, J, 2014. Drawing Projects, an exploration of the language of drawing. Black dog publishing, London.

• NATIONAL GALLERIES OF SCOTLAND, 1999. The Draughtsman's Art. Great Britain, BAS printers.

• BAMMES, G. 2011. Complete Guide to Life Drawing. Great Britain, Search Press

Web Sources

www.nationalgalleries.org

www.moma.org

www.tate.org.uk

www.royalacademy.org.uk

www.metmuseum.org

www.drawingcenter.org

www.drawingroom.org.uk

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.