City Lit year of the figure and portrait

What is the course about?

This course is a one year, three term course and requires a level of commitment from students. You will be introduced to a combination of approaches, from technical to experimental, practicing figurative drawing techniques to build confidence in proportion, structure and volume in both the head and body from observation of the life model.
The course then introduces painting approaches: how to prepare a ground, colour mixing and brush techniques to depict the flesh and form of the figure and face. You will work with a range of different life models throughout the year and explore various expressive and experimental approaches, using different starting points. Throughout the course there will be the option to work from observation of the live model and/or to make use of given projects as a starting point for personal work, such as working from personal narratives, artist references and photographs. You will take inspiration from artists' work presented and discussed to build up knowledge of historical and contemporary contexts for representation of the human form.

What will we cover?

- Technical approaches to drawing and painting the human figure and head
- Experimental approaches to drawing and painting the human figure and head
- Studio practices in working with a live model
- How to build ideas and projects from photographs/found images
- Examining methods for drawing heads and bodies including how to render volume and structure in facial features.
- Anatomy of the head and body
- Mixing colours for both naturalistic and expressive flesh tones.
- Working with artist references.

What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...

- Develop your drawing from observation of the human figure as subject
- Learn painting techniques and colour mixing relevant to portraits and the body
- Experiment with composition and understand its impact on meaning
- Explore making experimental images of the figure from memory and imagination
- Recognise narrative and ideas relating to identity and personality in images of the figure.
- Develop an awareness of artist contexts; historic, modern and contemporary.

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

This course is suitable for students with some prior experience of life drawing and painting. There is no prerequisite with regards to your perceived ability, but that you bring curiosity and willingness to explore the human figure and face.

This course is structured across an entire year and therefore requires commitment in both practical studio sessions alongside additional time outside of the course hours for research and personal development. You should also be interested in discussing your thoughts and ideas as part of your evolving critical judgement and creative awareness.

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

The class will be led by a course leader and tutor team who are all practicing artists within the field. The course will be primarily practical, with one-to-one support. Projects will be presented and discussed to inform starting points and practical demonstrations will support technical exercises. Informal lectures, tutorials and group discussions will support ongoing work produced.

This course requires a level of commitment, and therefore independent study outside the studio is recommended and encouraged. You will also have access to Google classroom as a designated Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) where you will be able to access hand-outs, presentations and share ideas and work with other students outside of course hours. You will supported in learning how to use this platform if you are new to it.

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

All basic materials and resources are included as part of this course, however we encourage you to invest in your own brushes, canvas, boards etc if you specialise in painting. The course leader and tutor team will provide advice on materials and equipment throughout the course.

Students are advised to have their own sketchbook for sketching, experimentation and recording ideas (A5 / A4 size).

Need art supplies? As a City Lit student, our partners London Graphic Centre offer 15% student discount, from pencils to printing services. To get LGC student discount, students will need to show proof/ confirmation of enrolment of them being a student at City Lit. You can apply in-store or by simply emailing info@londongraphics.co.uk with a scan or photo of relevant confirmation. The student discount does not apply to products that are already discounted or on offer. More information can be found here- https://www.londongraphics.co.uk/studentdiscounts/.

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

Students are encouraged upon completion of this course to progress onto VH953 Advanced Figure and Portrait. Alternative options include the City Lit Fine Art, Advanced Painting or the UAL Foundation Diploma in Art and Design.