Sketching at the museum: British Museum

What is the course about?

An introduction to sketching in different areas of The British Museum. Drawing will be explored in its broadest sense by gathering information through image making, research and interpretation. Enjoy the challenge of expressing yourself in fresh ways through a personal response to the collections and in discussion with the group.

Explore a range of approaches with a variety of drawing media, using experimental mark-making, light and shadow
and colour to interprete the objects on display.

Meeting place will be just inside the front entrance on Great Russel Street (after you have been through security - please allow extra time for this) left hand side bench by the stairs before you enter the Great Court.
You will then be given a plan for the day by the tutor. Please be on time, the tutor will only be able to wait for 15 mins max for latecomers - please let Visual Arts know if you are running later
The tutor will have your phone numbers in case they need to get in touch in an emergency.

What will we cover?

* Quick sketching
* Experimental mark-making
* Intuitive response
* Line, tone, pattern, texture
* Volume and form
* Scale and spatial relationships
* Inter-relationship of objects on display
* Sketching as research.

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

- Start to sketch a range of objects and artifacts from observation
- Investigate different methods of drawing
- Interpret and reinterpret work in the collections
- Sketch with greater confidence in public space.

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

This course is for you if you are a beginner or:
- You want to learn more about how to sketch as research
- You have not used a sketchbook before
- You need more confidence looking at and understanding museum collections
- You’d like to broaden your ideas of what drawing is.

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

You will receive individual guidance and group discussion to enable you to develop your practical work in the
sketchbook throughout the day, supported by a handout and itinerary.
Please note the Meeting place as above.

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

Please bring an A5 or A4 hardbacked Sketchbook that preferably opens out flat and a selection of:
Drawing pencils eg 2B, 4B, 6B, coloured pencils including white, a rubber and sharpener, a biro/fine-liner and any other materials that you enjoy using and are portable, clean and easy to use in the gallery. It is useful to have some coloured or tonal paper for use with colour materials.Optional: water-based colour pencils, water-based graphite pencil.

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

Other museum days include Tate Modern, Tate Britain and the V&A. City Lit runs a range of drawing and sketchbook courses your tutor can discuss options for progression with you
during the day.