Contemporary painting studio

What is the course about?

• This course is for students who are ready to develop their own ideas in painting, with reference to the work of contemporary artists and experimental processes. Students should have completed Painting 1 and Painting 2, or higher level courses such as the Contemporary Fine Art course, Foundation Diploma, Advanced painting: practice and discourse; or equivalent level courses.
• The emphasis will be on the process of development from idea /sketch to finished painting. Informed by contemporary art practice students will be encouraged to expand their approach to making a painting, using research, experimentation, layering of imagery, exploration of materials etc.
• We will explore different methods of painting with reference to a particular contemporary artist to see how this affects the imagery or contributes to the meaning of the work.
• This course offers students higher level guidance with the freedom to explore their own ideas.

What will we cover?

• Source material and development of subject matter: e.g. sketchbook ideas, working from photographs and projections.
• Experimenting with image making materials, i.e. paint, drawing materials and mixing media and collage.
• Discussion of the visual language in painting.
• Issues in contemporary painting.

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

• Use a sketchbook/photograph as a research tool for a painting/artwork.
• Expand and develop your initial visual ideas using a variety of art materials and processes.
• Make a sustained painting or series of works over several weeks.
• Develop your ability to make decisions about the development of your own work.
• Use the work of current artists as a reference and influence on your own art practice.

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

You will need to be able to demonstrate experience in painting methods and processes up to an intermediate level. This course encourages you to build upon prior skills and knowledge in order to develop your own painting work.

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

• Wednesday courses: use standard oil paint and low-odour solvents, and/or acrylic paint.
• Thursday courses: use water-based oil paint, and/or acrylic paint.

The course is delivered through a series of practical projects, self-directed with individual tutor guidance and encouragement. You will also engage in group discussions and examination of artists' work to develop a more critical approach. Self-reflection is an important part of learning in art education and creative practice. You will be encouraged to engage with reflecting on your own work and progress as part of the learning process in Visual Arts.

The contemporary painting studio course requires a level of commitment, and therefore independent study outside the studio is recommended and encouraged. As part of the course, you will have access to Google classroom as a designated Virtual Learning Environment (VLE). There you will have access to hand-outs, tutor presentations and be able to share ideas and work with peers outside of course hours.

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

Access to basic painting and drawing materials will be available as part of this course. We advise you to bring along a sketchbook for recording ideas, notes and feedback (A5 or A4 size) alongside any imagery to support your projects. You may wish to bring your own brushes and painting tools, alongside canvas or board as the course and your work progresses.

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

• Any of the open-application advanced courses including: Drawing and painting dialogues, City Lit Year of figure and portrait, Developing abstract painting, Painting 3.
• Courses from the Advanced Practice Area, by on-line application: Advanced painting: practice and discourse, Contemporary Fine Art, Foundation Diploma, Experimental drawing for artists and makers, Advanced figure and portrait, and Developing art practice.