Painting and Drawing from Art History Short Course

About this course

The course uses historical and contemporary artists as starting points for practical drawing and painting work. Participants explore charcoal, ink and other media through exercises covering line, shape, proportion, composition and tonality, then investigate hue, value and saturation through colour mixing with watercolour, oil paint or soft pastel. Sessions include discussion of artists’ ideas, project development, individual verbal feedback and informal group critiques. Personal Learning Plans are created to help participants set goals and review their progress during the course.

What you'll learn

• Apply drawing exercises to investigate line, shape, proportion, composition and tonality
• Use charcoal and ink in drawing studies
• Mix colours with attention to hue, value and saturation
• Analyse ideas and methods used by historical and contemporary artists
• Develop drawing and painting projects from artist research

Is this course right for you?

This improver-level course is intended for learners with some prior knowledge of art materials, tools and techniques. Participants work on individual projects while taking part in discussions, informal group critiques and feedback sessions. The course is for learners aged 19 or over on 31 August before it starts.

• Some previous knowledge of art materials, tools and techniques is required
• Participants are expected to share work in informal group critiques

Before you go

• Participants need their own oil or watercolour paints, or soft pastels.
• For the first lesson, participants need a sketchbook, pencil and eraser.
• The tutor will advise on any additional course materials.