Looking at paintings

An introduction to European painting, looking at masterpieces in major London galleries. We will cover different painting techniques and genres (landscape, portrait and history painting) for a basic understanding and increased enjoyment of Western art.

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Key course information

Dates
27/09/11 - 06/12/11

Day(s)
Tue

Duration
11 weeks

Time
18:00 - 19:45

Fees
Full fee: £158
Senior fee: £158
Concession: £99

Venue
KS - Keeley Street

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Course code
VB104

Availability
This course has finished

This course has finished

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Still got questions?
visualarts@citylit.ac.uk or call 020 7492 2700

Course outline

What is the course about?

This course looks chronologically at ten key works of Western art on show in London’s collections. It examines the portrait, the mythological, the biblical, the narrative, the nude, the landscape, and the still-life, discussing each painting in depth in the context of its era and its artist’s career.

What topics will we cover?

The paintings are: Jan Van Eyck, The Arnolfini Portrait (National Gallery); Titian, Bacchus and Ariadne (National Gallery); Poussin, The Triumph of David (Dulwich Picture Gallery); Velazquez, The ‘Rokeby’ Venus (National Gallery); Vermeer A Young Woman Standing at a Virginal (National Gallery); Hogarth The Rake’s Progress/The Election Series (Soane Museum); Turner The Fighting Temeraire (National Gallery); Degas Miss La La at the Cirque Fernande (National Gallery); Picasso The Three Dancers (Tate Modern); a contemporary painting (Tate Britain).

By the end of this course you should be able to:

- Understand the uses and functions of different types of paintings
- Recognise different periods and styles of painting
- Discuss art from a variety of periods, and various London collections, with greater confidence, and express an informed personal response.

What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?

The course is open to all. No prior knowledge of the subject is required.

You should be able to follow simple written and verbal instructions to support demonstrations, hand-outs and for health and safety information, and will be invited to take part in group discussion. You should be able to use numbers and be able to do simple measurements and calculations.

Please look at the rest of the course outline carefully to decide if you may benefit from support in your English and Maths skills to help you to take part fully in this class.

How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?

There will be slide presentations by the tutor with the opportunity for group discussion throughout. There will also be some pair and small group activities. The afternoon classes will include some guided gallery visits. Handouts including slide lists will be provided. You are encouraged to use the City Lit library and to explore suggested sites on the internet.

Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?

No. You are advised to bring notebooks to the classes. You may like to purchase a couple of the books suggested on handouts during the course.

Do I need to have an interview before I can enrol?

No.

What feedback will I get?

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. The pair and small group activities in class will enable you to check your understanding with other students and the tutor.

How will I be able to give my views on the course?

Please complete the evaluation form at the end of your course. These are monitored and help us to continually improve our courses.

How do I find out if I can get some support for my learning?

You may be interested in: education and careers advice; financial and childcare support; disability support; support for Deaf and hearing-impaired students; dyslexia support; English and maths support; counselling, and library services (supported learning centre). To find out what may be available to you, and how to apply, see page 213 of the 11/12 course guide, or visit www.citylit.ac.uk/students

When I've finished, what course can I do next?

You may like to take some of other courses in art history on offer such as Styles in Art, Looking at Sculpture or Looking at Architecture.

General information and advice on courses at City Lit is available from the Information and Advice Shop, open Monday to Friday 12:00 – 19:00 during term time, and Monday to Friday 12:00 – 17:00 out of term time. See the course guide for term dates and further details.

Who can I contact for further information?

Tel: 020 7492 2700

visualarts@citylit.ac.uk

Please email us for advice or call us during these times:

Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays - 9.00 -12.00 & 15:00-18:00

Thursdays - 9.00-12.00

Saturdays - 14.00-17.00

To enrol on a course, call 020 7831 7831.

Select another date / day / time

Dates	Day(s)	Time	Duration	Fees	Snr	Conc	Code	Availability
27/09/11 to 06/12/11	Tue	18:00 - 19:45	11 weeks	£158	£158	£99	VB104	Finished	» Select
27/09/11 to 13/12/11	Tue	14:35 - 16:35	12 weeks	£142	£89	N/A	VB103	Finished	» Select

Contact us

Visual arts

Tel: 020 7492 2700

visualarts@citylit.ac.uk

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