A course combining plein air (outside) drawing with studio based study around composition, and techniques regarding the landscape tradition and contemporary ideas. We will consider a variety of styles and ideas around the landscape as well as various dry mediums, collage and ink. Opportunities for experimentation will also be encouraged. We will work directly from the landscape as well as from our photographs to create our own interpretation of the local landscape. We will engage in discussion regarding our ideas of the landscape, sense of place and experience and how that might influence our choices of landscape and its depiction.
Course aim
This course is designed to encourage and challenge our ideas about the landscape, how we think about it and why we choose to engage with it artistically. To combine drawing out doors with studio based work to produce a variety of responses
Do I need any particular skills or experience?
- This course is suitable for beginners and improvers
By the end of the course I should be able to:
- apply principles of composition to my chosen subject
- use a variety of dry materials to develop my ideas to then create a landscape image
- express ideas around a sense of place and contemporary landscape practice
- select an image or scene to use with a deeper understanding as to why
How will I be taught?
- The WEA tutor will use a range of different teaching and learning methods and encourage you and the group to be actively involved in your learning
- although not compulsory, you may be asked to supplement the sessions learning by some personal research. a pinterest account may be useful
What kind of feedback can I expect?
- A range of informal activities will be used by the tutor to see what you are learning which may include quizzes, question and answer, small projects and discussion
- You will have opportunities to discuss your progress with your tutor
- You will be encouraged to share your work with the group and discuss your learning
- You will be encouraged to consider other students work and give your opinions and suggestions
- A file of work will be kept which will help to record your progress
- There will be a number of tasks appropriate to your course such as written work, creating art or craft, video, photography or small projects. Some of these may be marked to help you progress
What else do I need to know?
- A selection of materials and basic equipment will be provided but you are welcome to bring additional materials with you
- It would be helpful if you had access to the internet (Mobile phone, tablet or computer at home or through a library etc.)
- You would benefit from a sketch book to record ideas and any notes
Pre-course work, reading and information sources
- No pre reading is required but research on the subject on the internet or in the library may be helpful
- You may want to collate your own images that may be useful in sessions that are not outdoors. You may also like to bring any sketches that you make regarding your own ideas or chosen scenes
What can I do next?
- Progress to another WEA course
- Progress to a course with another provider
- You could progress to Higher Education courses. Follow link to the PEARL website for information http://pearl.open.ac.uk/
- Access the WEA What Next? booklet here http://www.wea.org.uk/learn-wea/what-can-i-do-next
Download full course information sheet
