Pet illustration

About this course

Participants develop pet illustrations from photographs using drawing, painting, collage and digital image manipulation. The course covers material choices, colour palettes, composition and scanning analogue work for digital use, including basic Adobe Photoshop techniques. Teaching combines presentations, demonstrations, practical activities, individual and group tutoring, and discussion. Learners also review their own and others’ work, with examples from historical and contemporary creative practice used to inform the sessions.

What you'll learn

• Create drawings and paintings from photographs using a range of materials.
• Develop colour palettes for pet illustrations.
• Scan analogue images to produce digital files.
• Apply basic image manipulation techniques in Adobe Photoshop.
• Use collage and composition techniques to develop illustrations.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of their own and others’ work.

Is this course right for you?

The course is intended for intermediate learners and does not require previous illustration experience, but familiarity with visual communications is expected. Participation includes practical work, individual and group tutoring, discussion and reflection. Learners may also be given additional activities to complete outside class.

• Illustration-specific experience is not required.
• Learners need enough English to follow instructions, demonstrations and hand-outs, and to take part in group discussions.
• The course includes both individual guidance and group discussion.

Before you go

• Bring photographs of the pet or pets to be depicted.
• Bring an A5 or A4 sketchbook for recording ideas.
• Bring an A3 folder and/or a USB drive for transporting work.
• Basic materials and resources are available as part of the course. Any additional materials will be discussed if required.