Creative Sketchbook (Spring)

This course would suit people who enjoy experimenting creatively with different materials and ways of looking.

The project for this course will specifically look at landscape in its widest form from rural scenes to urban views. Topics will include how to describe mood, light, space, distance and how to find the essentials when composing a scene. We will also look at different ways of depicting trees and skies.

Creative Sketchbook is a course with an experimental mixed media approach. Sketchbooks are used widely as a reference tool by art students and artists alike and you will learn how to use a sketchbook effectively and develop approaches to record your own art activities.

For this course a variety of creative techniques are covered to teach you the necessary core skills.

CORE SKILLS
Composition and Design: Analysing the essentials of a scene through shape and collage.
Describing distance (aerial perspective) through both markmaking and watercolour wash.
Drawing skills including understanding tonal relationships, observing negative spaces, using grids to aid accuracy & gaining better control of your materials.
Exploring and experimenting with a wide range of different media to explore a subject.

Materials
A4 or A3 cartridge paper hardback sketchbook, approx 4 sheets of tracing paper, approx 6 sheets of A4 cold-pressed watercolour paper, approx 6 spare sheets of A4 cartridge/drawing paper, pencils, eraser, dark-coloured drawing or fibre-tipped pens in at least 2 different nib widths, (optional but recommended: dip pen with drawing nib), masking tape, ruler, glue, scissors. A selection of coloured media which could include: water-soluble pencils or crayons, pastels, or felt pens. A set of watercolour paints, 2 watercolour brushes: 1 wash brush and 1 medium (size 5-8) brush, palette, bottle of dark coloured Indian or acrylic ink. willow charcoal.

Optional: lolly stick or emery board, old toothbrush., hairspray or fixative. Any other personally preferred materials e.g. inks, pens, paints, conte. A craft knife/ scalpel and recycled papers are sometimes useful.

n.b. For the selection of coloured media, shops such as Tiger, Wilko or The Works often sell cheap pastels, crayons etc which would be of adequate quality for this course. For brushes, pens, paints and watercolour paper, specialist art suppliers or a good stationers would be a better option if finances allow.

Tutor
Emily Burton

Dates
8 weeks from 16 January 2024
16, 23, 30 Jan & 6, 20, 27 Feb  5, 12 Mar