Introduction to Using a Sketchbook

Course Times & Enrolment

This course is currently unavailable.

Course Summary

This course aims to demystify the function, format and uses of the sketchbook, introducing students to various working approaches and methods; combining materials, considering compositions and working with thumbnail sketches. Through practical advice and guidance from a specialist tutor, students will develop ideas and be more experimental in the sketchbook.

Course Details

Pre-requisites for enrolment

No previous knowledge of the subject is required.

Special Information

Materials and equipment provided for students as part of the course fee

Cutting mats

Craft knife

Mono printing equipment

Materials available to purchase during course

One-sided card

Newsprint

Cartridge paper

Essential materials and equipment students must provide themselves

Sketchbook

A range of Pencils, pens, marker pens, inks

Collage materials

Small selection of acrylic paint or gouache

Brushes

Content of Course

Each session, students will be introduced to various aspects in relation to the course. The sessions will explore a combination of contextual references and feature practical exercises and demonstrations, which include:

Explore fusing materials and tools.
Gathering primary and secondary references.
Exploring ways of fusing, collaging and editing reference materials to advance ideas.
Working on location, making drawings and small painting studies.
Working with collage and prepared grounds
Exploring mono-printing approaches
Developing a series or sequences of idea.
Working with thumbnail studies.
Working within limited timeframes and movement.
Exploring compositions and formats.
Using mind-maps to develop ideas.

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 and introductions to techniques, processes and concepts. This is supported by practical demonstrations, group discussions, contextual references and one-to-one support.

Learning outcomes

By the end of this course, students should be able to:

Demonstrate various methods and approaches in using the sketchbook to develop ideas.
Use a sketchbook to develop and sustain a focussed range visual ideas, images and research.
Make appropriate choices in the range of drawing, painting and mixed media techniques both within a sketchbook and in development studies.
Present a contextually referenced line of enquiry.

Sources

Core Readings

New, J., 2005. Drawing From Life Princeton Architectural Press, New York.

Dieter, R,. Dieter Roth: diaries,2012, Edinburgh Fruitmarket Gallery

Perrella, L., 2004. Artists' Journal and Sketchbooks: Exploring and Creating Personal Pages, Gloucester, MA: Quarry Books.

Brereton, R., 2009, Sketchbooks: the hidden art of designers, illustrators and creative, London: Laurence King.

Livingston, A., and Jackson K. 2014. Kurt Jackson Sketchbook Lund Humphries: Ashgate Publishing

Manco, T., 2007, Street sketchbooks, London: Thames and Hudson

Maslen, M

Class Handouts

Will be provided as required

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.