Drawing from plants and flowers
Course Code: VM003
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 Center for more information on a range of topics including fees, online learning and FAQs.
What is the course about?
Working from plants and flowers you will be introduced to the formal elements of drawing; exploring line, tone, texture, mark making and colour. Using a variety of drawing materials including both soft pastels and oil pastels you will be encouraged to try an experimental approach taking inspiration from exciting contemporary artists and designers.
What will we cover?
We will cover mark making techniques and colour mixing in charcoal, pencil and both oil and soft pastels. Each week we cover a different formal element in drawing taking an artist as our inspiration. These images will be used as starting points for discussion and as inspiration for our own personal expressions of the subject matter.
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
- Apply skills in observational study using a range of drawing media
- Use line, tone, and texture as expressive and descriptive elements
- Confidently select and simplify complex forms
- Compare the different qualities of soft and oil pastels.
- Mix colour with oil and soft pastels
- Recognise the work of a range of artists using this medium and genre.
- Develop personal compositions and Interpretations, 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?
You will be taught by demonstration, discussion and practical application. Group and one to one tuition, demonstrations and looking at images from other artists. The use of a sketchbook to record your thoughts and group critiques will be encouraged for you to reflect upon and develop your work.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
You will need to bring a plant or a bunch of flowers. All basic drawing materials 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 develop your understanding of colour on 'Exploring colour for artists and makers', 'Printmaking all levels: focus on colour' or 'Watercolour: intermediate and advanced' or to contune to focus on working from plants and flowers by joining 'Painting from plants and flowers'. You may also wish to join Watercolour: still life for beginners. Alternatively, you may wish to continue to paint from observation on a life painting or landscape painting course.
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.
