The sketchbook as a creative tool

About this course

Participants will use the sketchbook as a visual journal for recording experiences, developing ideas and testing image-making approaches. The course explores composition, visual language, mark-making, line, tone, texture, colour, surfaces and collage, with reference to artists’ exploratory sketchbook work. Teaching combines demonstrations, group discussion, practical activities, one-to-one tuition and reflection on participants’ own work. Drawing, painting and collage are used together to investigate expressive possibilities and develop individual themes.

What you'll learn

• Explore mark-making through line, tone, texture and colour
• Develop personal themes and use them to generate sketchbook ideas
• Experiment with composition and visual language
• Combine drawing, painting and collage in mixed-media work
• Create surfaces suitable for collage and other image-making processes

Is this course right for you?

The course is intended for learners at all levels, including beginners. Participation includes practical experimentation, group discussions, one-to-one tuition and reflection on individual work.

• Beginners are welcome
• The course includes both group and individual teaching
• Learners are encouraged to reflect on their own work and progress

Before you go

• Bring an A4 sketchbook with good-quality cartridge paper. Book-bound or spiral-bound formats are suitable, in either portrait or landscape orientation.
• Basic art materials are supplied.
• The tutor can advise on any additional media or materials participants may wish to bring.