Drawing people – the art of the quick sketch with Andrew Fitchett

Drawing

Ref: SWE12579

Suitable for all £303
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About this course

Learn how to make quick, lively sketches of people on the move, capturing the essence of movement and form. Working from fast moving life poses and people in our local surroundings.

Course Description

This step-by-step course guides you through the key techniques used to create quick, lively sketches of people on the move.

Working from life models on the first day of the course, you will develop an understanding of the structure of the human body and investigate the key spatial and shape relationships which can be quickly identified to record a moving figure. You will also work on location, in a busy street or similar area on the second day.

Using a range of pencils or drawing materials of your choice, you will further experiment with tone and line quality to discover how these can add dynamism to your drawing.

You will gain first-hand experience of fast drawing techniques required when making sketches of people on the move, a clear understanding of the physical shape and structure of the human body, and how to distil its essence into line and gain experience of materials and their effects on your work.

With a focus on individual development, the course is a series of tutored drawing sessions that will provide both group and individual exercises, with short group assessments at key stages throughout the course. There is a strong emphasis on development and practice of technique to help enhance your drawing skills and exploration of style rather than working towards finished drawings.

The course will equip you with essential knowledge of how to capture the essence of the moving figure, which can be applied to enhance and develop not only your life drawing but your drawing skills in other subject areas.

Timetable

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)

Course Materials

Included

  • On this course, the College will supply the models who will sit for the course and some of the materials, including 4 X A3 sketchbooks and a box of willow charcoal to be shared by the group, as well as a 2B and 4B pencil for each student.

What students need to bring

  • Please also bring your own drawing pad or paper and drawing materials of your choice.

Available to buy

  • Available from shop:
  • A wide range of quality drawing materials, papers and sketch books are available from the College Craft Shop
There will be an excursion on the minibus to a busy town centre on the second day. Please wear appropriate clothing/aprons for the workshop or studio. This includes stout covered footwear, i.e. no open-toes or sandals.

Tutors

Andrew Fitchett

Andrew Fitchett is a practicing painter working in oils and West Dean tutor since 2006. Since his career in Advertising where he ran creative courses Andrew paints and teaches from his studio in East Sussex. Andrew's work is in private collections across Europe.

Accommodation

Residential option available. Find out accommodation costs and how to book here.

Courses of interest

Further study options

Take the next step in your creative practice, with foundation level to Masters in Fine Art study. 

Depending on your experience, start with an Online Foundation Certificate in Art and Design (one year, part-time), a Foundation Diploma in Art and Design made up of 10 short courses taken over two years (part-time) or a Diploma in Art and Contemporary Crafts (10 three-day study blocks, over two years). All will help you develop core skills, find direction in your practice and build an impressive portfolio in preparation for artist opportunities or higher-level study. See all degree and diploma courses.

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