Artists eye: painting impressionism, surrealism, fauvism and pointillism

What is the course about?

In this four week course, we will look at use of colour, paint application and sources of inspiration in the work of selected artists. We will make a series of paintings using our acquired knowledge about their use of colour and the portrayal of a sense of object and volume gained from examining the unique visions of our selected artists.

This is a live online course. You will need:
- Internet connection. The classes work best with Chrome.
- A computer with microphone and camera.
- Earphones/headphones/speakers.

We will contact you with joining instructions before your course starts.

This is a live online course. You will need:
- Internet connection. The classes work best with Chrome.
- A computer with microphone and camera.
- Earphones/headphones/speakers.
We will contact you with joining instructions before your course starts.

What will we cover?

You will make paintings inspired by four very different artists. You will learn about their work, inspiration, approach to materials and techniques, and their place in the historical and contemporary art world. You will be guided by their choices of subject matter, learn from their methods of paint application, and make discoveries about their decision making in colour mixing, and composition.

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

Make four (or more) paintings using contrasting subjects and colour combinations.
Mix colours to convey mood and feeling, and a sense of space.
Identify methods of visual story telling in the work of others, and apply them in your own paintings.

Learn about different ideas and intentions in the work of a range of artists.

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

The course is designed for those progressing from beginner level, and is also suitable for more experienced painters who would like to refresh their practice.

Colour mixing, composition planning, and brushwork and layering will be re-visited, to ensure all participants are at a strong level to move on from.

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

This is a practical course, where painting is learnt by working on a series of projects. Learners will be painting throughout all sessions, with some time being given to looking at contemporary and historic paintings. Details of these, and reminders and other resources will be available on our group’s private google classroom pages. Students will have opportunities to make verbal contributions as part of the group. There will be weekly optional homework, and learners will be encouraged to research artists.

This is a live online course. You will need:
- Internet connection. The classes work best with Chrome.
- A computer with microphone and camera is best (e.g. a PC/laptop/iMac/MacBook), or a tablet/iPad if you don't have a computer.
- Earphones/headphones/speakers.

We will contact you with joining instructions before your course starts.

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

You will need painting materials and equipment, and a suitable space to work where you can prop your painting up, spread out your palette and paints, and be messy.

Please also have a colour magazine for collage, and some glue, instructions about how to make this from rice will be available on google classroom.

You will need to be set up for painting for all sessions including session one.

Please have a palette, which can be an A3 sized piece of plastic/Perspex/formica/board, a palette knife, a few basic bristle brushes (minimum 1 large, 1 medium, 1 small) cotton rags. Water or PVA for mixing acrylic paint.

You will also need something to paint on each week.

This can be thick cartridge paper or card, or a prepared canvas

You will need the following paint colours:

Cadmium red or vermilion., Alizarin Crimson, Cadmium Yellow, Lemon Yellow, French Ultramarine, Cerulean blue, Titanium white.

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

The City Lit Visual Arts department offers a wide range of exciting courses that will allow you to progress from beginner to advanced and learn a range of techniques. We are constantly adding new courses. Please ask your tutor for advice or browse the City Lit website for inspiration.