Course description
What is the course about?
This is a structured course which allows you to explore a broad range of art and design activity covering two and three dimensional areas as an evening programme over one year. If offers a diagnostic experience for those who wish to build up a balanced portfolio with which to apply for further study. It is also suitable for those who want to pursue art and design for personal development.
The course is divided into a number of five or six week modules each centred around a core of ideas which are explored visually through a range of related media.
What topics will we cover?
Eight modules, not necessarily in this order:
1. Investigative Drawing - a range of source material includes the model and various still life set-ups. Attention will be given to improving skills whilst showing a variety of different approaches to drawing.
2. Introduction to Sculptural Form – Part one students make a large collage drawing of a 3D form. This is then expressed as a sculpture made from wire, tissue, card and other mixed media.
3. Surface structures– Pen and Ink drawings of textured objects evolving into relief studies.
4. Colour – An introduction to simple colour theory is followed by practical exercises to apply this knowledge. Students experience working on coloured grounds with ideas such as colour saturation and composition with a restricted palette. Material: Paint and mixed drawing material.
5. The Human Dimension – Students will make drawings related to a theme as a basis for a scale prototype of a chair built with recycled materials.
6. Digital imaging – a project which explores image manipulation.
7. Illustration – Students make an illustration from a piece of text using basic monoprint and collage techniques.
8. Project reviews and End of Year Review, Students assemble their portfolio.
By the end of this course you should be able to:
- To be able to undertake visual research and to develop that research creatively
- To be confident in expressing ideas in terms of imagery, in both two and three dimensions
- To be conversant with a number of drawing languages and their differing applications
- To gain knowledge and confidence in handling a range of materials/media
- To be aware of the importance of visual presentation.
- To have a portfolio of work with which to back applications for further study.
What level is the course?
Though this is not a foundation course and does not carry a certificate, the projects are equivalent to foundation level. Students starting the course should have some drawing experience, equivalent to City Lit Drawing 1.
How will I be taught?
One to one and group tuition plus reference to books, slides.
There will be some few irregular teaching sessions such as museum visits.
You can expect your tutor to give you feedback both individually and through group discussion. At the end of the course you will be given the opportunity to complete a record of your achievements which will be verified by your tutor. Questionnaires about how you felt the course was organised will be available at the end of your course.
Are there any other costs (e.g. certification, materials, equipment or books I need to buy)?
No, materials are provided, but an A4 sketchbook and basic art equipment is recommended to supplement studio work.
What feedback will I get?
Your tutor will give you feedback both individually and through group discussion. You will receive regular feedback from your tutor throughout the course, as and when appropriate. At the end of the course you and your tutor are asked to assess the progress you have made.
Will I have a chance to give my views on the course?
Yes, please complete the evaluation form at the end of your course. These are monitored and help us to continually improve our courses.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
Diploma in Art & Design Foundation Studies, National Diploma. Some previous students have used this course, supplemented with other evening classes, for successful BA and HND applications.
General information and advice on courses at City Lit is available from the Information and Advice Shop, open daily 11:00 - 19:00 Monday to Friday, 10:00 - 14:00 Saturday during term and 12.00 - 17.00 Monday to Friday during non-term. See the programme guide for further details.
Compulsory interview before enrolment
Before you can enrol on this course, you need to have an advisory interview with the relevant department. Without this the enrolment team will be unable to process your enrolment. Please contact the department to arrange your interview, or to find out about drop-in sessions.
