Composing the Figure for Drawing Course: London

Composing the figure

Make drawings and paintings that incorporate the figure in pictorial settings and personal compositions. Working from life and studying other artists, we will explore ideas in a range of media and techniques.

(average based on 1 review) » Write a review of this course

» View full course outline

Key course information

Dates
04/10/11 - 06/12/11

Day(s)
Tue

Duration
10 weeks

Time
18:00 - 21:00

Fees
Full fee: £211
Senior fee: £211
Concession: £98

Venue
KS - Keeley Street

» View location

Course code
VH570

Availability
This course has finished

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?

A broad look at the tradition of figure composition in painting over a variety of cultures and eras in history up to the present day. We will explore practical methods behind the construction of figure paintings. We will also discuss how ideas and meaning are conveyed by a range of techniques in composition, such as scale and placement and varying degrees of realism or truth to nature. We will create our own series of figure compositions, learning what we can from the methods used in the various paintings we will look at.

What topics will we cover?

We will work with a variety of sources including pre- and post-Renaissance, non-European and contemporary art. We will learn about a fascinating range of compositional structures that create narrative and/or dramatic effects, including devices such as the triptych and circular formats, considering rhythm and asymmetry. Photography may be used for several projects so that we can make images of people in different contexts. We can use these as a basis for paintings. We will also consider the impact of chosen backgrounds and the significance of scale, depth and space in how a painting can be ‘read’.

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

• Show awareness of a variety of types of figure composition.
• Apply various methods and techniques to create composition.
• Consider expressive effects in your painting through composition.
• Plan and make a figure composition painting of your own.

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

Some drawing and painting experience is preferable, although beginners who enjoy a challenge are welcome.

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

Talks, practical work, demonstrations, individual tutoring and group discussion.

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

All drawing materials 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

Tel: 020 7492 2700

visualarts@citylit.ac.uk

Featured course

VX120 - Textiles: recycle, reuse, retell Sunday; 06/05/12 - 13/05/12; 10:30 - 16:30 Recycle your old favourite fabrics into a small experimental quilt; exploring the idea that textile carries many memories and secrets

visual arts

Work from printmaking art classes at City Lit

City Lit offers the most diverse range of part-time, weekend and evening art courses in London, with many courses taught by successful artists and practitioners