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Botanical Drawing and Painting

Course Description

You will take inspiration from natural forms including flowers, fruit, bulbs and full plant specimens. You will develop technical skills in drawing, painting, colour mixing and tonal judgement and explore formal and informal ways to interpret the natural world thorough different media. Sessions may include activities using drawing, watercolour, acrylic painting, printmaking and ink as well as demonstrations and presentations by the tutor.

Location: Camden

Course Requirements

This course is suitable for all levels, including beginners. An open mind and interest in learning more about drawing and painting is all you will need.

Course Content

This course is balanced between structured group activities and flexible time in which students pursue their own goals. An ideal approach for beginners to more advanced students. By the end of the course, you will be able to: draw structures, leaves and blooms from observation; use shading to create three dimensional effects; use colour theory to apply colour; explore a range of drawing or painting media, and develop more personal projects in botanical painting and drawing. Emphasis of techniques and botanical subject changes termly to coincide and draw inspiration from the seasons (Autumn, Winter, Spring and Summer). During the course, we will focus on the basics of drawing, use of tone, colour mixing and watercolour; and explore alternative media for botanical art such as colour pencil, ink, charcoal, printing methods and develop observation and technical skills in botanical drawing. The tutor will introduce a variety of techniques and approaches inspired from artists and personal practice, and then work with students 1-1 to make sure they understand and learn at their own pace. As the course progresses, the tutor will discuss with students individually how they would like to develop and personalise their work during the course and will tailor advice to suit. A visit to a park or garden to draw from observation or to work from significant collections of botanical art in London may be included if feasible. Botanical objects will be provided; however students are encouraged to bring in their own botanical objects to work from.

Teaching and Learning Methods

You will receive an individual learning plan at the start of the course, which will clearly show the learning outcomes. You will also be invited to add your own goals for yourself as well as the skills you will learn listed above. We will review your progress together as the course goes on. At the end of the course, you will receive feedback on your ILP which shows how you have met the learning outcomes and what you have learned on the course. You will be working at your own pace and be given verbal and written feedback on your progress. At the end of the course, the tutor will assess your progress and advise you on the next step. Resources used within each lesson are available for students online 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, or websites and books for you to use to enrich your study.

Independent Learning

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, or websites and books for you to use to enrich your study.

Assessment

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.However, you will work with your tutor to identify your aims at the beginning of the session and will receive one to one feedback throughout as well as sharing outcomes at the end of the course.

Qualification you will achieve

There is no formal qualification attached to this course but you can receive a Certificate of Completion from the college on request.

Next Steps and Progression

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 L1, L2 Fashion or Illustration, or L3 Foundation Diploma in Art and Design as a pathway into higher education. Advice and Guidance for all further study is available from the Curriculum Manager by request.

Additional Information

For more information, please contact the Learner Services Team via Live Chat or on 020 7255 4700 or email LearnerServices@wmcollege.ac.uk.

Additional Learning Support

Teachers are supported to ensure their materials are inclusive to meet all learners needs. Provision of assistive equipment is available and access support can be provided through reasonable adjustments, subject to an assessment by the ALS team and/or the Disability Officer. Digital Learning support is available in the Learning Centre at our Camden site. Careers advice and guidance is also available to all learners.

Additional Costs

WM College is able to provide financial support with course fees and you may be eligible based on prior qualifications, if you are on a low income or on benefits. For more information and to find out if you are eligible, go to the Fees & Finance page on our website or contact the Learner Services team via Live Chat or on 020 7255 4700.

Our Student’s Work

CAMDEN
44 Crowndale Road
NW1 1TR
Tel: 020 7255 4700
Email: learnerservices@wmcollege.ac.uk
KENTISH TOWN
7 Leighton Place
NW5 2QL
Tel: 020 7241 8572
Email: learnerservices@wmcollege.ac.uk