Drawing from plants and flowers
Choose a start date
- Course Code: VM050
- Dates: 09/09/24 - 14/10/24
- Time: 10:00 - 13:00
- Taught: Mon, Daytime
- Duration: 6 sessions (over 6 weeks)
- Location: Keeley Street
- Tutor: Ro Sylvester
Course Code: VM050
Choose a start date
Duration: 6 sessions (over 6 weeks)
Please note: We offer a wide variety of financial support to make courses affordable. Just visit our online Help Centre for more information on a range of topics including fees, online learning and FAQs.
What is the course about?
Through the close observation of natural forms, this course will give you the opportunity to develop your drawing skills and mark-making techniques. You will explore a variety of approaches to applying and manipulating colour. Taking inspiration from historical and contemporary artists, you will work on a range of studies, from small to larger scale, with an increasingly personal approach to your compositions.
What will we cover?
• Working from observation, explore the core elements of drawing; line, tone, texture and mark-making.
• Investigate the structural qualities of plants and flowers.
• Experimentation with colour mixing using both oil and soft pastels.
• Images and approaches of artists’ work will be discussed as starting points for our own personal expressions of the subject matter.
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
• Make observational studies from plants and flowers using a range of techniques and grounds.
• Select and simplify complex forms.
• Create colours and textures through blending and layering soft and oil pastels.
• Develop a personal approach to compositions, using other artists as inspiration.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
Some drawing experience at beginner level would be an advantage, but not essential. You do not need any previous
experience of using pastels.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
• Practical work in the studio
• Demonstrations
• Presentations and handouts
• Individual and group tutoring
• Group discussion.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
All basic drawing materials and resources will be provided. A sketchbook will be useful.
Need art supplies? Our partner London Graphic Centre has everything you need from pencil to printing services, at 15% off.
To get an LGC discount card, students will need to show proof/ confirmation of enrolment of them being a student at City Lit. You can apply for our card in-store or by simply emailing info@londongraphics.co.uk with a scan or photo of relevant confirmation.
The student discount does not apply to products that are already discounted or on offer. More information can be found here- https://www.londongraphics.co.uk/student-discounts/.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
You may wish to continue at City Lit with another course, including Painting from Plants and Flowers, Watercolour: Drawing into Painting, Drawing: colour pastel techniques, Drawing ink and wash, Developing Watercolour Painting.
Ro Sylvester is a veteran of film and theatre, having made costume and props for productions such as ‘Hellraiser’ and ‘Legend’ back in the ‘80s. She ran a costume studio in Covent Garden for some time, supplying the Opera House and other West End Theatres with costumes and props. Ro also made many props and costumes for pop videos including Eddie Grant, Supertramp and New Order. From the early ‘90s, she worked in secondary and 6th form teaching, delivering exam courses in Design Technology, Textiles, Graphics, Computer Graphics and Model Making. Having retired from secondary teaching in 2017, Ro has worked to private commission in retail display, commercials and theatre. She has also worked as a tutor at City Lit, teaching; Model Making, Prop Making, Perspective, Pastel drawing and general creativity skills. She continues to create bespoke lightweight jewellery, window displays and props for theatre and film. Ro runs a lively and fast moving classroom, helping students to explore their potential and progress onto other courses where applicable. You can see much of her work and that of her students on her website.
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.
