Sketching at the museum: Tate Modern
Course Code: VH740
Choose a start date
Duration: 1 session
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What is the course about?
An introduction to sketching in different areas of Tate Modern. 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 collection and in discussion with the group.
Learn about artists’ working practices and inspirations by directed research through some of the Tate’s curated displays including painting, sculpture, photography and digital art, installation and mixed-media.
Explore a range of approaches with a variety of drawing media, using experimental mark-making, light and shadow and colour to interprete the works on display.
Meeting place in session 1 will be at the top of the ramp just inside the Turbine Hall entrance. You will then be given a plan for the day by the tutor. Please note you should book your free slot in advance if possible.
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
* Expressive/emotive use of colour
* Gallery contexts.
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
- Start to sketch a range of artworks from observation
- Investigate different methods of drawing
- Learn to interpret and reinterpret work in the gallery
- Know more about individual artists and their practice/history and art movements in a gallery setting
- Have increased confidence in drawing in public spaces
- Be inspired by experiencing artworks 'in the flesh'.
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 draw
- You have not used a sketchbook before
- You need more confidence looking at and understanding modern/contemporary art
- 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: Meeting place will be sent to you before the day.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
Please bring an A5 or A4 hardbacked Sketchbook preferably one that opens out flat, and a selection of:
Drawing pencils eg HB, 2B, 4B, 6B, Glue stick, coloured pencils, felt pens/markers, rubber and sharpener, biro/fine liner and any other materials that are portable, clean and easy to use in the gallery eg oil pastels/crayons etc.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
City Lit runs a range of drawing and sketchbook courses your tutor will discuss options for progression with you during this course.
Mario Lautier Vella is a cross-disciplinary, award-winning artist who began his art career at City Lit. After completing a number of short courses in drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture and textiles, Mario went on to do the two-year City Lit Fine Art course before going back to university to gain his Masters degree. Mario regularly exhibits in the UK and abroad and his work can be found in private collections around the world. Mario has enjoyed teaching at City Lit since 2011. For more info go to mariolautiervella.com
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.
