Textiles and surface pattern: colour and abstract design

About this course

Participants develop experimental drawings from still-life sources, personal objects and images, investigating texture, line, mark-making, printmaking, scale, layering and surface techniques. Work begins in black and white before colour, collage, photocopying and paper dyes are introduced to develop textile and surface pattern ideas. Teaching includes demonstrations, examples, hand-outs, discussion, feedback and support with sketchbook practice. Learners use sketchbooks to gather visual research and refine ideas, then explore composition, placement, repetition, layout and motif development through mixed-media processes.

What you'll learn

• Experiment with mark-making, printmaking, layering, collage and mixed-media surface techniques.
• Apply basic colour mixing and paper-dye processes to developing designs.
• Use sketchbooks to collect visual research and record experiments.
• Develop abstract textile and surface pattern ideas through scale, composition, repetition and motif creation.
• Explore ways to gather colour inspiration from objects, images and observational sources.

Is this course right for you?

The course is intended for learners at all levels, from beginners developing drawing and design ideas to more experienced artists extending their experimentation. Participation involves practical drawing and design work, demonstrations, discussion, feedback and the development of a personal project direction. Learners should be able to follow simple written and spoken instructions and carry out basic measurements and calculations.

• Suitable for learners with varied levels of drawing and sketchbook experience.
• Some work may be developed between classes, although this is not compulsory.
• Learners are expected to contribute to a practical, discussion-based class.

Before you go

• Basic materials are included.
• Bring an A4 or A3 sketchbook in either portrait or landscape format.
• Bring four to six inspiring images, such as personal photographs, book or magazine images, or printed images.
• Additional personal drawing media and one or two objects for still-life work may be brought if desired.
• A simple portfolio or folder may be useful for carrying work home.