Ref: SWE31690
Your tutors will introduce a series of exercises engaging with conventional and unconventional materials, in a variety of scale, and in response to different stimuli both inside and outside the studio. You will be encouraged to question assumptions, take risks, be bold, and make connections with other students and with your creative work.
The course supports FDAD students as you begin to develop a reflective journal which will act as a thread linking the individual experiences of the selected short courses and help you to discern the significance of each learning experience as part of your greater journey.
You will begin to explore the formal considerations such as composition, line, medium, colour, tools, support, format, scale, tonal values, and form. Materials, methods and meaning will also be discussed as you work in both 2D and 3D.
Examples of work by artists will be presented and you will be encouraged to take part in group discussion. You will be introduced to the terminology in which to talk about art that will increase your confidence and knowledge to express your ideas.
Practical information about the FDAD programme will be discussed clarifying details of the course, expectations, support and how you can get the most from your FDAD programme.
During the first evening of the course: Introduction to the course and fellow students; introduction to tutors on their creative process; practical session.
By the end of the course, you will have been introduced to fellow students and tutors, have a better understanding of the practical requirements of the FDAD programme such as how to book, drawing days, feedback and more. You will also have made a start to your own creative learning pathway as a Foundation Diploma student, through experimental and explorative use of materials and approaches to drawing in 2D and 3D. You will leave inspired, informed, and encouraged.
Arrival Day - this is the first date listed above
Courses start early evening. Residential students to arrive from 4pm, non-residential students to arrive by 6.45pm.
6.45pm: Welcome, followed by dinner (included).
8 - 9pm: First teaching session, attendance is essential.
Daily timetable
Classes 9.15 - 5pm, lunch is included.
From 6.30pm: Dinner (included for residential students).
Evening working - students may have access to workshops until 9pm, but only with their tutor's permission and provided any health and safety guidelines are observed.
Last day
Classes 9.15am - 3pm, lunch is included.
Residential students are to vacate their rooms by 10am please.
(This timetable is for courses of more than one day in length. The tutor may make slight variations)
We have a generously stocked craft shop, which opens daily from 8.30am–2pm.
For any materials you need to purchase from the shop, we suggest you do so during the first morning of your course, after having discussed with your tutor.
An A2 sketchbook, loose paper, PVA, clay, and some drawing and paint materials will be provided.
An apron
Camera to record transformation and process
Any highlighter pens you already have
Available from the Shop:
Masking tape
Selection of paint brushes 2–3
Assorted colour felt tips
All Personal Protection Equipment, apart from footwear, is provided by the College.
Core Team Tutor - Foundation Diploma in Art and Design
Short Course Tutor
Rachel Larkins is a tutor on the FDAD program and has been teaching short courses at West Dean since 2017. Rachel holds a distinction level Masters in Sequential Design/ Illustration from Brighton University following an early training in Textile Art (BA Hons). Rachel's work encompasses drawing and narrative sculptures and is held in numerous private collections.
Programme Coordinator - Foundation Diploma in Art and Design
Tiffany Robinson studied interactive media for her MA (2005) making art films and immersive sci-art installations on perception and nanoscale. She is currently a tutor, mentor (The Art of Enquiry) and walking artist making intuitive drawings using natural and digital media. Her work deals with a post-modern estrangement from nature towards a being more than human through alignment with nature.
Core Team Tutor - Foundation Diploma in Art and Design
Short Course Tutor
Caroline Wendling's work explores ideas of place and belonging through layered projects that draw on history and explore local myths, inviting re-imagings of sites. She takes her audience on a physical, sensory and emotional journey leaving them with a poetic encounter and a story to tell.
Residential option available. Find out accommodation costs and how to book here.
Places available - Book now
Places available - Book now
Places available - Book now