Certificate in Western Abstract Painting (Basic)
This course will expose learners to ways of describing abstract painting. It will expand their ideas around abstraction in art through hands-on exploration of historical and contemporary materials and techniques. Learners will enhance their observational skills, using the idea of perception as a departure point for visual enquiry. They will explore the changing roles of abstraction in contemporary practice, its processes, and its relationship to figuration through a series of guided studio experiments. The lessons are structured to help learners develop their own practice and vision.
Module 1 - Line and Shape
(8 sessions x 3 hours)
This module describes the visual characteristics of “modern” painting and demonstrates abstract concepts (light, space, reflection, self and the metaphysical). The emphasis is to look at painting as a means of articulating form and to equip learners with essential tools for building an image. Practical exercises will focus on “line” and “shape”, and techniques in the application of low key and high key colour.
Module Content:
- Introduction to Modern Painting
- Introduction to Materials and Techniques
- Low Key Colour - Compositional possibilities
- Line and Space
- Organisation/Structure - Compositional possibilities
- High Key Colour studies
Module 2 - Colour Layering (Transparency)
(8 sessions x 3 hours)
This module examines how artists produce works that are distinctive and unique. Learners will practise line, form, shape, colour, tonal values and ‘transparency’ through various exercises. Emphasis will be placed on an experimental and exploratory approach in the use of materials and production of work. Throughout the lessons, learners will explore colour, colour mixing, the relationship between form and colour, and the spatial effects of colours. Aspects of colour science will be woven with colour practice, helping learners to understand the many aspects of colour and to develop colour skills in their individual artistic practice.
Module Content:
- Introduction to Colour Layering (Transparency)
- Organisation/Structure - Compositional possibilities
- Colour and Light
- Colour Harmony – Balance and Contrast
- Line and Form – Compositional possibilities
- Texture and Space