Explore: drawing and painting – develop your practice

About this course

Learners develop drawing and painting through short exercises, longer studies and individual projects based on observation, imagination or suggested themes. Activities explore line, tone, colour, mark making and composition, using materials including pencil, pastel and water-based paints through traditional and experimental approaches. The course also considers how artists from different cultures and periods have represented the world. Sketchbooks are used to test ideas, record notes and reflect on work, while discussion introduces visual arts vocabulary and artists, genres and art traditions.

What you'll learn

• Develop finished drawings and paintings from suggested themes or concepts explored in class.
• Use pencil, pastel and water-based paints through varied traditional and experimental approaches.
• Apply line, tone, colour, mark making and composition in drawings and paintings.
• Create compositions from observation, including still life and plants, and from imagination.
• Use visual arts vocabulary and identify examples from different artists, genres and art traditions.

Is this course right for you?

The course is designed for intermediate learners who already have a grounding in drawing and painting. The provider recommends at least one year’s experience, whether gained with Idea Store Learning or elsewhere. Participants are expected to practise regularly at home and complete occasional homework.

• At least one year’s drawing and painting experience is recommended.
• Regular practice outside class forms part of the expected participation.

Before you go

• Occasional homework is included, with regular practice at home recommended.
• Sketchbooks are used during sessions to test ideas, make notes and reflect on progress.