Self-Directed Practice: Sustaining a Focus (Credit) (20 credit points)

Pre-requisites for enrolment

None.

Special Information

Materials you will need to bring to the first class:

• At least one sketchbook (A5 / A4 / A3 size)

• Charcoal

• Pencils and eraser

• Cartridge paper

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

• Sketchbooks, which can be either A5 / A4 / A3 size (more than one is advisable)

• Charcoal, pencils, eraser and coloured drawing materials (e.g. pastels or chalks)

• Drawing ink and pen

• Masking tape

• One sided card and cartridge paper

• Acrylic paints (or oil paints)

• Selection of brushes

• Sponge, roller and rags

Content of Course

Over the class sessions the course will cover:

1. Introduction to independent art practice in contemporary context.

2. Suggested points of reference and short project.

3. Multiples in miniature.

4. Self-directed projects start.

5. Artist studio visit.

6. Mini critique.

7. Working larger and longer.

8. Developing larger work.

9. Developing work together.

10. Finishing work and group critique.

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, student 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 sustained and enquiring work ethic within a contemporary art context, employing independent strategies to document a range of visual ideas and research.

• Demonstrate an inventive and exploratory use of a range of materials, methods and processes that is appropriate to developing a coherent and personal, visual vocabulary.

• Evidence independent judgment to present a coherent, individual and focused body of research studies and resolved works, demonstrating discernment to document select and edit artwork to reveal its value.

Sources

Core Readings

Recommended:

• ELKIN, J.2000. What is Painting Routledge.

• LUCIE-SMITH, E. 1984. Movements In Art Since 1945. London: Thames and Hudson. Print.

• DAVEY, R. & SCHAMA, S. 2014 Anselm Kiefer. Royal Academy of Arts, London

• FOSTER, R.K.H., BENJAMIN H.D. YVE-Alain BOIS, D.J. 2012. Art Since 1900: Modernism, Antimodernism, Postmodernism. Thames & Hudson Ltd.

• BUTIN, H. 2014. Gerhard Richter. Editions 1965-2013. Hatje Cantz.

• RAEDECKER, M. 2009. Michael Raedecker. London: Camden Arts Centre. Print.

• DUMAS, M. 2014. The Image as Burden, Tate.

• DEXTER, E. 2010. Vitamin D: New Perspectives in Drawing. Phaidon Press.

• HOLZWARTH. H.W. 2008. Art Now. Koln: Taschen. Print.

• WATT, A. and PATERSON, D. 2011. Hiding in Full View, Ingleby Gallery. Print

• POSNER, H., SMITH, K. LYON, C. 2005. Kiki Smith. New York, N.Y.: Monacelli Press. Print.

Journal and Periodicals:

• Modern Painters

• Frieze

• Turps

Web Sources

www.tate.org

www.saatchigallery.com

www.victoria-miro.com

Class Handouts

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.