Portfolio Preparation: Art

Pre-requisites for enrolment

No previous knowledge of the subject is assumed.

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 available to purchase during course:

• One-sided card

• Newsprint

• Cartridge paper

Essential materials and equipment students must provide themselves:

• Sketchbook A4 or A5

• Charcoal (Compressed & Willow)

• White chalk

• Eraser

• A range of pencils (2B-6B)

• Graphite stick (4B)

• Oil Bars (Clear)

• Masking tape

• Oil Pastels (small set)

• Quink Ink

• Ball point pen and a couple of coloured marker / highlighter pens

• Coloured pencils

• Range of drawing paper i.e. cartridge paper, newsprint and one-sided card

• Acrylic paint: Cadmium Red and Yellow, Ultramarine Blue, Burnt Umber, Yellow Ochre, Black

• Large pot of White (at least 250ml)

• Bristle brushes - various sizes - e.g. square or round, size 2-10

• 1” and 2” household paint brush

• Rags or sponge

• Piece of white Formica, board or plastic to use as a palette

Optional materials and equipment students may provide:

• A digital camera to document work in the studio

Content of Course

The course will tailor support and advice relevant to the relevant stage of the UCAS application process: In term 1, students will focus on exploring various approaches to researching ideas and developing images, with an emphasis on developing students’ confidence to work independently. The tutor will give advice on UCAS applications and on creating a digital portfolio which reveals students’ strengths and main interests, ready for submission.

Each week students will focus on being introduced to various aspects in relation to the course, exploring a combination of context references and practical exercises and demonstrations, which include:

1. Exploring a range of drawing and painting materials, techniques and processes.

2. Developing observational drawing, in the studio and on location, focusing on space, negative space form, scale, line and tone.

3. Students will be given the opportunity to draw and paint from life, including draped life, in order to explore aspects of composition, form, proportion, context and mood.

4. Developing confidence with painting, by experimenting with compositional strategies and by using mixed media to fuse a range of drawing, painting and collage materials.

5. Translating and developing personal source material and sketches using a range of techniques such as collage, mono printing and digital manipulation.

6. Exploring the potential of small three-dimensional works, in simple materials such as cardboard, wire and textiles, either as models for drawing and painting, or as works in their own right.

7. Researching and developing a body of work on a given theme (either suggested by the tutor or identified by the student).

8. Students will take part in external visits to locations in the city and to the National Museum to gather images and ideas for further development in the studio.

9. Gain an understanding the potential of a sketchbook as a powerful research tool for recording images, developing ideas and evidencing work.

10. Developing an awareness of the work of contemporary artists working with similar or associated themes, materials or techniques.

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, 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:

• Make a confident application to an undergraduate degree programme in Art.

• Create a body of research, which explores the potential of a range of personal ideas.

• Explore a range of relevant mediums, techniques and approaches.

• Select and edit work for both the digital on-line application submission and to develop a portfolio ready for interview.

• Create a distinctive body of work which demonstrates contextual awareness of at least one specialist art discipline ready for art college study.

Sources

Core Readings

Recommended:

• Berger, J., 1972, Ways of seeing, London: BBC Books

• Godfrey, T., 2009, Painting Today, London; New York: Phaidon Press

• Maslen, M., 2011, Drawing Project: an exploration of the language of drawing, London: Black Dog Publishing

• Perry, G., 2016, Sketchbooks, London: Particular Books

• Stobart, J., 2011, Extraordinary Sketchbooks, London: A&C Black

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.