During the course, learners will learn about the distinguishing features of the style of Art Deco or 'Arte Moderne': the simple, clean shapes, often with a “streamlined” look that is geometric or stylized from representational forms. The movement was brought to prominence by the Paris Exposition of Decorative Art in 1925 and lasted approximately twenty years. With a base in Egyptian, Arts & Crafts, Chinoiserie, Art Nouveau, Jazz Age, Cubism, Aztec, and Futurism, it was a style which reflected the 'Machine Age', utilising period innovations such as plastics, chrome and aluminium. This will act as an inspirational, visual plethora to create some wonderful creative representations. With a strong emphasis on finding individual style, learners will be guided through drawing, painting and poster-making techniques and evolve within their own work.
Course aim
We will be using the stunning, sleek, geometric or stylized forms of Art Deco as inspiration to create wonderful art work. Learners will explore a variety of artistic practical techniques in reference to this decadent historical art movement.
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:
- Expand my knowledge of art history and theory
- Use techniques to evolve my skills in drawing
- Explore a range of paint techniques and comment on their effects
- Summarize the importance of the Movement on design
How will I be taught?
- The WEA’s digital learning platform, Canvas will be used to provide resources or to support lessons, enable assessment, provide learner feedback and for other activities for individuals away from the course. If you want to understand more about our digital learning platform please visit: http://bit.ly/WEAonline
- 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
- You may be asked to undertake additional work in your own time to support your learning
What kind of feedback can I expect?
- Your tutor will provide written, text and audio feedback recorded in WEA Canvas, WEA’s digital learning platform.
- You will be able to keep a digital portfolio of your work on WEA’s digital learning platform, Canvas.
- 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 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
What else do I need to know?
- What you need: You will need an internet connection, speakers, a microphone and a webcam so that you can use our video learning platform, Zoom. If you’d like to understand more Zoom please visit: http://bit.ly/ZoomSpec
- It would be helpful if you had access to the internet (Mobile phone, tablet or computer at home or through a library etc.)
Pre-course work, reading and information sources
- No pre reading or pre course work is required
What can I do next?
- Progress to another WEA course
- Become involved as a volunteer for a WEA partner or another organisation
- 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
