Portfolio Preparation: Art (Preparing an Application) (Online)

Special Information

Material you will need to bring to the first class:

• Computer with internet access

• Sketchbook A4 or A5

• Charcoal (Compressed & Willow)

• Eraser

• Masking tape

• A range of pencils (2B-6B)

• Graphite stick (4B)

• White chalk

• Oil Bar (Clear)

• Oil Pastels (small set)

• Quink Ink

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

• Coloured pencils

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

• Computer with internet access

• Acrylic paint:

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

• Large pot of White (at least 250ml)

• Brushes:

• 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.

Content of Course

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

2. Developing painting, using mixed media to fuse a range of drawing, painting and collage materials.

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

4. 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.

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

6. Gathering a range of visual materials from a variety of locations and from the internet to develop your ideas.

7. Understanding the potential of a sketchbook as a powerful research tool for recording images, developing ideas and evidencing work.

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

Teaching method(s)

Teaching will be fully online. Students will need an up-to-date web browser, microphone (ideally head set), webcam and strong Internet connection.

In addition to the live sessions, students will have the opportunity to have one-to-one with their tutor each week.

Learning outcomes

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

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

• Explore a range of mediums, techniques and approaches relevant to their chosen theme

• Select and edit work for a digital online application and submission.

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

• Make a confident application to an undergraduate degree programme in Art, including confident preparation for an interview, where relevant.

Sources

Core Readings

• How to choose your art and design course: Resources with a variety of perspectives from students, practising artists and designers and academic teaching staff which might help students think about whether to study art and design and, if so, where.

• The Complete University Guide: Some useful tips on how to choose the course that is best for you from this independent organisation. https://www.thecompleteuniversityguide.co.uk/courses/choosing-a-course

• Tate Galleries: Very useful resources with insights from students and their lecturers about the benefits of art and design education at higher education level. https://www.tate.org.uk/art/student-resource/art-school-debate

• Portfolio Guidance (and some examples): A range of sources of advice, from professional organisations, student-focused websites and academic institutions on how to prepare a high quality portfolio, what to expect at interview and tips on preparing a personal statement for an art or design course.

• Tate Galleries: Useful tips from portfolio assessors in academic institutions on what, and what not, to do in your portfolio and advice on possible interview questions. https://www.tate.org.uk/art/student-resource/applying-art-school

• The Student Art Guide: Very comprehensive guide to how to build your portfolio, and hot to research the particular portfolio requirements for your chosen course, with visual examples. https://www.studentartguide.com/articles/how-to-make-an-art-portfolio-for-college-or-university

• Edinburgh University (Edinburgh College of Art): Guidance booklet with discipline-specific information on what an application portfolio should include, application criteria and key dates. Republished for each new academic year. https://www.ed.ac.uk/files/atoms/files/how_to_apply_-_art_and_design_2020.pdf

• Gray’s School of Art: Good visual examples of successful portfolios with clear guidance on what to think about as you build your portfolio. Guidance is specifically for Gray’s, but is transferable to other HE courses. file:///C:/Users/dmacleo6/Downloads/Gray's%20School%20of%20Art%20Portfolio%20Guidance%20-%202020%20Entry.pdf

• Duncan of Jordanstone School of Art: Useful guidance on what to think about as you build your portfolio. Guidance is specifically for Duncan of Jordanstone School of Art, but is broadly transferable to other higher education courses. https://www.dundee.ac.uk/undergraduate/art-design-general-foundation/portfolio

• Glasgow School of Art: Lots of visual examples of portfolios for most disciplines offered by GSA. Great resource. https://www.studentartguide.com/articles/how-to-make-an-art-portfolio-for-college-or-university

• General articles / discussion of why you might want to study art and design: Authoritative sources of discussion on the benefits of studying art and design, career possibilities and key issues for prospective students to think about.

• Times Higher Education Supplement online article: Key weekly education journal consulted by academic and administrative staff in HEIs and associated organisations. https://www.timeshighereducation.com/student/subjects/what-can-you-do-art-degree, https://www.timeshighereducation.com/student/subjects/what-can-you-do-degree-design

• Tate Galleries: Useful insights from students, professionals and art educators. https://www.tate.org.uk/art/talking-point/why-study-art

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.