Throughout this series of drawing and painting workshops, participants are invited to engage with both traditional and contemporary approaches to figure drawing. Participants can expect to learn measuring techniques, tonal drawing and painting techniques and are invited to experiment with movement and mark making techniques in order to produce their own studies of the human form.
Throughout the 9-week period, the human figure will be the subject of focus and participants are invited to explore different figurative drawing techniques. Primarily, studies will involve life drawing whereby the group will be taught how to measure the proportions of the human body and will learn how to compose several tonal sketches from observing a nude, live model. As participants begin to grasp how to depict the human form in various shapes and postures, a focus will then be applied on exploring dynamic movement and mark making. Participants are encouraged to produce a mix of A4 and A3 tonal studies involving charcoal, chalk, graphite and oil paints prior to producing two larger outcomes A2 in size.
Afterwards, the focus will shift to portraiture using image-based mediums such as physical or digital photographs. Using these, participants are encouraged to explore the use of lighting found in such images, used to capture the mood or emotion of the person portrayed. Throughout this activity, the group will learn about lighting and tone and will be taught how to map the face in monochromatic colour using oil pastels.
Next participants will be taught how to blend both oil pastels and oil paints in order to create dreamlike portraits inspired by artists such as Ruprecht Von Kaufmann and Xiao Wang.
Participants can expect to produce further small-scale studies during this activity, besides producing one or two additional outcomes ranging from sizes A4 to A2.
Disclaimer
The University regularly reviews its courses. Course content and structure may change over time. See our course and module disclaimer for more information.
Learning Methods
This course will be delivered on campus from 18:30 – 21:00 every Wednesday for 9 weeks, excluding public holidays.
Life Drawing is centred around drawing the naked human form and workshops will involve drawing from a live model.
Participants are encouraged to source their own personal sketchbook considering the scale and shape they would carry around with them.
Participants will require their own camera throughout the duration of the course, however this is not essential and does not prevent participation in the course. Phone cameras are suitable.
Activity Summary
- Minimum of 8 students, maximum of 15 in the group
- 22.5 hours of teaching in total over 9 evenings, 18:30 – 21:00
Timetable
- Week 1: 4 September 2024 - workshops start
- Week 2: 11 September
- Week 3: 17 September
- 25 September - no class due to public holiday
- Week 4: 2 October
- Week 5: 9 October
- 16 October - no class due to public holiday
- 23 October - no class due to public holiday
- Week 6: 30 October
- Week 7: 6 November
- Week 8: 13 November
- Week 9: 20 November – last workshop
Independent Study
Participants are encouraged to keep their own personal sketchbook to explore and practice drawing the figure throughout the duration of the course. It’s encouraged that a sketchbook be used to collate imagery that can influence work during each workshop. Examples could include colour palettes, found atmospheric qualities and/or the work of other artists. The sketchbook can also be used to note interactions, influences from the world around us, and any human experiences that might motivate the participant. It’s also encouraged that the sketchbook is used to continue or expand studies of lighting that are covered in the portraiture section of the course.
Assessment
This course is not formally assessed.
Staff Delivering on this Course
Claire Kidd is an alumna of Gray’s School of Art and graduated in 2019 prior to pursuing further studies at Glasgow School of Art in 2020. Predominantly a figurative artist, Claire Kidd specializes in oil painting and uses dry media such as charcoal, graphite and pastels. Her artistic practice combines a mixture of personal projects and freelance engagements in addition to teaching expressive arts. At the core of her work is a focus on the human experience whereby Kidd explores and examines the mundane and surreal aspects of daily life through thoughtful and figurative compositions. Her artistic influences encompass music, poetry and literature but notably, she is influenced by her interactions with people and the stories shared.
Entry Requirements
There are no formal entry requirements for this course.
This course is suitable for beginner - intermediate level.
Required Age
All students are required to be at least 16 years of age on the commencement of the course.
For Academic Year 2024/2025
Course fee: £270 per person
The fee is to be paid as part of sign up process and prior to the first session.
After completing the registration form, you will be directed to the payment page. Your place on the course is not confirmed until payment has been received. If you have any difficulties locating the payment link or if you have registered for this course but have not completed the payment form, please contact us for a direct link to pay which will bypass registration.
Additional Costs
Essential core materials are provided.
The following course-related costs are not included in the course fees:
Course Cancellation
If minimum participant numbers for this course are not met, the course will be cancelled and participants will receive a full refund.
If you have registered and paid for your place on the course, but now wish to cancel, please email engage@rgu.ac.uk at least 48 hours prior to the first evening session commencing.
Disclaimer
For new intakes course fees are reviewed and published annually for each mode of delivery. Tuition fees are fixed for the duration of a course at the rate confirmed in advance. For further information see:
Any questions?
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