Drawing the line

Approach life drawing from a practical and philosophical viewpoint using simple guided meditative practices to aid concentration and observational drawing. Explore a range of media and approaches finding possibilities for a personal visual language. Basic materials included.

(average based on 2 reviews) » Write a review of this course

» View full course outline

Key course information

Dates
22/09/11 - 24/11/11

Day(s)
Thu

Duration
10 weeks

Time
14:00 - 17:00

Fees
Full fee: £204
Senior fee: £122

Venue
KS - Keeley Street

» View location

Course code
VH496

Availability
This course has finished

No concessionary fees are available as the limit has been reached.

This course has finished

» Find another course in Visual arts » Search all courses

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

Course outline

What is the course about?

We will approach life drawing from a practical and philosophical viewpoint, using simple guided mindfulness practices to aid observational drawing. The course will focus on line drawing, using a variety of tasks and media to help you generate a personal visual language.

What topics will we cover?

- Continuous line: the search for meaning. The use of continuous line as a vehicle for searching out form and making expressive drawing (references to Claude Heath, Kossof and Craig Martin)
- Economy of line: the nine-line drawing, looking at the relationship between observation and spontaneous expression/gesture through limiting mark-making (references to Gary Hume and Chinese drawing)
- Time lines: line drawing to convey movement, passing of time by superimposed poses caught in movement sequence. (Reference to Duchamp's Nude Descending Staircase)
- Line as text: text as image: alphabet drawing (references to Apollinaire's Calligrammes, and automatic drawing).

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

- Use a variety of methods to draw the figure in line
- Make decisions regarding choice of drawing media
- Identify relevant artists and explore their drawing practice
- Engage in mindfulness and awareness techniques to enhance the observational process
- Evaluate the drawing process to bring a drawing to completion.

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

The course is suitable for enthusiastic beginners and those with some experience of observational drawing. There will be opportunities to receive one-to-one guidance tailored to individual needs. The course is non-accredited.

You should be able to follow simple written and verbal instructions, demonstrations, hand-outs and health and safety information, and will be invited to take part in group discussion.

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?

Through practical drawing tasks working with a life model. Starting with guided body/mind awareness exercises based on traditional mindfulness meditation practices to aid the observational process, the class will then include ‘warm-up’ drawing exercises and opportunities to draw longer poses, during which one-to-one guidance is offered. Where relevant, there will be references to artists, and you may wish to follow this up. There will be opportunities for group discussion and the sharing of individual drawing experiences, allowing you to learn from one another.

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

You may wish to buy a sketch book and drawing materials book to practise drawing tasks outside of the class. There is a suggested booklist but it is not essential to buy these for the course. Basic drawing media and paper are provided.

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.

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?

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.

Contact us

Visual arts