Foundation Drawing (Online) (10 credit points)

Course Times & Enrolment

This course is currently unavailable.

Course Summary

This course is designed to encourage students to extend and develop their drawing skill base. It is intended they gain a fundamental understanding and knowledge regarding the use of drawing media, and materials, to make an informed series of drawn studies which explore a range of traditional as well as experimental techniques through observational exercises and more personal use of images in composition.

Short 1:1 sessions with the tutor will be offered to students once a week within the times outlined below:
Tuesdays 3:00 - 4:30pm

Course will be delivered via Blackboard Collaborate and Learn.

Course Details

Special Information

Materials and equipment you will need for the first class:

Although not needed for the first live Collaborate session, pencil, willow charcoal, pastels and/or (water soluble) coloured pencils, erasers, cartridge paper and grey sugar/pastel (or variety of collected) paper are a preferred starting point for the first week.

Remainig course materials:

• Sketch pad A2 or A3

• Variety of found or collected paper – brown and/or other wrapping type, colour paper, card, etc. (if desired)

• Pencils (HB, 2B, and /or 4B and/or 6B)

• Willow charcoal (medium)

• Soft pastels (Inscribe recommended – 24 or 36 or 48 half sticks of assorted colours)

• Putty rubber (Daler Rowney recommended) and a pencil eraser

• Masking tape

• Spray fixative (a cheap hairspray is a good alternative)

• Scissors (if desired)

• Protective clothing

• Thick A1 white cartridge paper (if desired)

• Mid tone blue grey / green-grey sugar or pastel paper A1or A2

• Colour pencils - water soluble type recommended (if desired)

• Inks, assorted ink pens (dipping, bamboo, stick type) resist wax/crayon, bubble wrap, clingfilm, natural/textured sponges and pointed round soft paint brush (if desired)

• washi tape (if desired)

• small acrylic gesso primer (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 on 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. Familiarisation and exploration of drawing techniques and media with discussion regarding researching creatively subjects personal to the student with the intention to develop individual drawing composition.
7. Ability to undertake research and reflective practice and apply these in the context of drawing.
8. Observation and measurement from life / comparative analysis.
9. Understanding visual composition.
10. Participation in discussion.
11. Understanding of proportion and form.

Teaching method(s)

Ideally you should have;

• An up-to-date web browser (Google Chrome recommended)

• Microphone (ideally headset) and Webcam

• Strong Internet connection

Teaching will be fully online 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 students taking a course for credit you will be required to undertaken work outwith the class, which your tutor will outline, including practical directed study activities and by keeping a reflective Learning Journal. Directed study will include developing further practical work alongside 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 and reflections made within a digital learning journal.

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.