This course is suitable for intermediate and more advanced painters or makers. You should have a good understanding of the process of painting and an ability or keen interest in working through a concept with visual art. You should have an interest in exploring both the theory behind and techniques involved in abstract painting. ?
For the first 5 weeks, each lesson will focus on a particular abstract artist?s or art movement?s technique, and you are encouraged to make work inspired by that.
Through this, you can further develop a toolkit of techniques and conceptual prompts from which to create work. This includes practical and theoretical knowledge including colour theory, use of different paint mediums, uses of abstraction, contemporary abstraction, critical analysis, and research-based making.
As you engage with the course and experiment with different techniques, you can select the processes that most suit you and develop your own project, that you can focus on in the second 5 weeks of the course.
You can also bring a personal project that you would like support in developing. The tutor can provide guidance around developing a professional and artistic practice.

You will be able to develop your skills by engaging with suitable projects determined by your existing level of experience in discussion with the tutor. Teaching is both as a whole class and an individual, one-to-one basis, using demonstrations, discussion, examples, samples, handouts and other technical support material where appropriate. You will be able to negotiate individual learning goals together with the tutor. During the first session, the tutor will check your experience to date and personal goals for the course, and if it is considered that it is not the right one, you will be advised on a more suitable course. You will be working at your own pace and be given verbal feedback on your progress. The teaching and learning methods are practical work and discussion with some reference to historical and contemporary artists work. No work outside the sessions is required. However, the college has an exciting programme of events, exhibitions and competitions throughout the year. Your tutor will make you aware of these, and your participation is welcomed and encouraged. While there is no formal homework, your tutor may discuss ideas with you individually to help extend your study and for ongoing independent projects. Your tutor will also recommend exhibitions, websites, books or programmes for you to use to enrich your study. You are encouraged to use the library and borrow some of our art books with your student pass.

There is no exam or formal assessment for this course. However, you will complete an Individual Learning Plan (ILP) which will outline the learning objectives for the course. You will also be invited to set your own goals. You will receive feedback against the achievement of these outcomes during the course from your tutor, and in written form at the end of the course. The college has an exciting programme of events, exhibitions and competitions throughout the year. Your tutor will make you aware of these and your participation is welcomed and encouraged. Once you have completed the course, you may choose to enrol on a further term in this subject or another subject in the Creative Arts department. For Art and Design courses, once you have developed a portfolio of work, you could consider applying to the accreditted courses including L3 Foundation Diploma in Art and Design as a pathway into higher education. Advice and Guidance for further study is available from the Curriculum Manager by request.

You may be eligible for fee reductions or one of our bursaries, please check the Information and Advice section of our website to find out more.

Teachers are supported to ensure their materials are inclusive to meet learners’ needs. Provision of assistive equipment is available and access support can be provided through reasonable adjustments, subject to an interview with the ALS team and/or the Disability Officer. Digital Learning support is available in the Learning Centre.

We offer free support with finding a job, including 1-1 support with job applications, creating a CV or improving your interview skills, as well as advice about progression opportunities. Visit the website for more information or to book an appointment with our Employability Coach.

There are regular cross-college events, external speaker visits, exhibitions, and opportunities for you to get involved in college life. Look out for adverts around the college, iLearn or sign up to Our Newsletter via the website.