Life Painting Course London: City Lit

Introduction to life painting

Using a series of project-based works, you will gain an introduction to the use of paint, ways to approach painting the figure, and some basic colour theory. Basic materials included.

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Key course information

Dates
27/10/11 - 01/12/11

Day(s)
Thu

Duration
6 weeks

Time
10:30 - 16:30

Fees
Full fee: £194
Senior fee: £116
Concession: £86

Venue
KS - Keeley Street

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Course code
VM480

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?

Examining means and methods of representing the human figure. This will help you develop your understanding of human structures and form, and to build confidence in handling paint in relation to life painting. You will learn to express an imaginative and personal response to the figure.

What topics will we cover?

Each session will isolate aspects of life painting and the means to deal with it: modelling of form; dealing with proportion and scale; issues of the figure in space - perspective and foreshortening; weight in relation to posture; and emotional mood.

You will also develop a suitable, limited palette based on colour bias, appropriate to creating form using various tonal structures. We will consider ways of constructing and organising paint, such as coloured under painting, layering, 'scumbling' and other methods, including placement, distortion, balance and rhythm.

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

1. Show basic skills in the use of painting materials and techniques
2. Produce a series of works which serve as a visual record
3. Represent the human form with subtlety
4. Demonstrate an understanding of form in relation to light, colour, volume and surface.

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

Suitable for people who have attended life drawing classes.

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?

A variety of poses will be used (lying, standing, sitting) with different moods, using techniques that both free up handling but also develop control, from exercises to quick sketches to more considered pieces. It is possible in the latter part of the course a pose will be retained over a number of weeks.

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

The course fee includes provision of basic materials, consisting of acrylic paint, paper and brushes. If you wish to work in oils you will need to bring your own materials having heard the initial advice on the palette for the course (otherwise expensive and unnecessary paints may be purchased). Advice will be given on preparing supports if oils are to be used.

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?

You may wish to continue investigating the figure with life drawing courses. Alternatively, you could develop a wider approach to painting by doing any of the various painting courses, including the fine art course. If you wish to pursue a higher education route, you could consider the portfolio preparation programme.

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.

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Visual arts