Foundation Drawing (Non-credit)

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
• Assortment of small sheets of paper – brown and/or other wrapping types, colour paper, newspaper, etc. (if desired)
• Pencils (HB, 2B, and /or 4B and/or 6B)
• Willow charcoal (medium)
• Soft pastels (24 or 36 or 48 half sticks of assorted colours - Inscribe brand recommended)
• Putty rubber and a pencil eraser
• Masking tape
• Spray fixative (a cheap hairspray is a good alternative)
• Protective clothing

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

• Sugar/pastel paper A2 (mid-tone blue/green-grey)
• Assortment of other collected and/or prepared paper (if desired)
• Inks, assorted ink pens, resist wax/crayon and pointed round soft paintbrush (if desired)
• Scissors (if desired)

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 to 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. Drawing the human figure using skills gained in the course so far will be practised.

7. Familiarisation and exploration of drawing techniques and media with a discussion on how to research creatively subjects personal to the student with the intention to develop individual drawing composition.

8. Ability to undertake research and reflective practice and apply these in the context of drawing.

9. Observation and measurement from life / comparative analysis.

10. Understanding visual composition.

11. Participation in a discussion.

12. Knowledge of the anatomy of the human body.  Understanding of proportion and form.

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.

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