Textiles and surface pattern: drawing and design

About this course

The course uses personal objects as starting points for experimental drawing, investigating texture, line, mark-making, scale, layering, surface and mixed media. Work begins in black and white before moving into colour. Demonstrations, practical exercises, theory, hand-outs and group or individual guidance introduce approaches to sketchbook research and idea development. Participants then use drawing, collage and photocopying to explore motifs, placement, repeat, layout and scale, developing drawings into textile and surface pattern design ideas.

What you'll learn

• Explore drawing techniques and mixed-media approaches for textile and surface pattern design
• Develop a sketchbook containing drawings and visual research
• Experiment with mark-making, scale, collage and layering
• Use photocopying and drawing to investigate motifs, repeats, placement and layout
• Develop a range of design ideas from drawings and personal source material

Is this course right for you?

The course is intended for learners at all levels, including those beginning to explore drawing and those extending existing skills. Participation includes practical exercises, group discussion and individual work, with additional work encouraged outside sessions.

• Learners should be able to follow simple written and verbal instructions
• Basic measurements and calculations are part of the course requirements
• Group discussion is included in the teaching format

Before you go

• Learners should bring a sketchbook.
• Learners should bring a small collection of personal objects, preferably with interesting textures or surfaces, to use as inspiration.
• Basic materials and resources are available as part of the course.
• Additional work outside the sessions is encouraged.