Textiles and surface pattern: drawing and design development

About this course

Participants will create experimental drawings from a collection of personal objects, investigating texture, line, mark-making, scale, layering, surface and mixed media. Work begins in black and white before moving into colour. The course also examines sketchbook practice, including ways to gather visual research and develop ideas over time. Drawing and sketchbook studies will be developed into textile and surface pattern concepts using collage and photocopying to investigate placement, repeats, layouts, scale and one-off motifs. Teaching combines demonstrations, discussion, theory and individual guidance, with course materials also available through Google Classroom.

What you'll learn

• Explore drawing techniques and mixed-media processes relevant to textiles and surface pattern
• Experiment with mark-making, scale, collage, layering and colour
• Establish or extend a sketchbook practice using drawings and visual research
• Develop drawings and sketchbook studies into placement, repeat, layout and motif ideas
• Build a range of design concepts from personal objects and areas of interest

Is this course right for you?

The course is intended for all levels, including beginners and learners extending existing drawing skills. Participation includes demonstrations, group discussion and individual development work. Learners should be able to follow simple written and spoken instructions, understand demonstrations and health and safety information, and make basic measurements and calculations.

• Beginners can receive guidance on starting and maintaining a sketchbook
• Learners with existing drawing experience can extend their methods and develop a more personal direction
• The course includes participation in group discussion alongside individual support

Before you go

• Basic materials and resources are available as part of the course.
• Learners are encouraged to bring personal objects with textured or interesting surfaces as drawing inspiration.
• Course handouts and other useful information are provided through Google Classroom; learners need to log in before the sessions begin.