Practical Art: Drawing from Observation

On successful completion of the module, you will be able to:

• Identify and apply appropriate drawing media, processes and concepts to a variety of drawing projects across both 2D and 3D subjects.

• Demonstrate an understanding of contour, tone and, where appropriate, colour to create the illusion of space on a flat surface. 

• Synthesise approaches to line, tone, form and space in a convincing way.

• Reflect critically on your practical drawing work in relation to historical references and drawing media.  

Across the module we will use practical, easy-to-engage-with approaches to drawing, drawing from life (objects in front of us) and historical ideas in drawing (such as famous artists drawings and paintings). We will leave behind pre-conceived technical ideas around ‘good’ drawing or ‘correct’ perspective, instead separating different elements of drawing and making them easily accessible and understandable. We’ll look at: 

• Line and contour 
• Composition 
• Tone 
• Still life 
• Form   
• Copying artists’ work 

We will build toward understanding composition, scale and frame, develop better hand-to-eye co-ordination through slow and fast drawing processes, draw from flat images on paper or the screen, plus 3D objects. We’ll then employ insights into sensation and feeling, and how these are essential tools in drawing. We’ll work both individually and in groups and recognise the importance in drawing of authenticity, honesty, risk-taking and embracing mistakes toward discovering new opportunities! 

This practical drawing module is primarily designed to increase your confidence and skills in drawing.  

Anyone can draw! You can only embrace how you draw rather than try to be somebody else. Development (as opposed to a style) in drawing is achieved through an historical understanding alongside practice and application. This module will combine both toward a deeper experience in how you think about images and how they work.  

Each session will focus on a specific idea or process such as line/contour, tone, composition, speed and so on. In this way the complexities that observational drawing entails will be broken down into 'bite size' elements, separated from one another. As the module progresses these individual processes will be combined. First, it may be line with elements of tone, then bringing in touch or sensation, then applying those to ideas around copying artists work or drawing from still life. In this way you will be able to identify your learning and understanding toward assessment on which you can reflect, considering how you’ve gained a deeper understanding of how you might approach drawing and the value derived from the experience.

Drawing materials will be provided and each session will employ a combination of practical exercises and historical references either on screen or printed out. Comparisons of work will allow students to learn from each other, encouraging further risk-taking and insights towards boosting confidence.  

You will be provided with a sketchbook and encouraged to continue drawing between sessions to ‘keep your eye in’. Over the weeks this will support you to gain confidence in your drawing and develop greater hand to eye co-ordination as well as considering the ideas from the sessions. Your progress in the sessions across the module will be evidenced through submission for assessment in the form of a Personal Development Blog and a selection of images you have made. This will be done in two stages, once before the Christmas break and once before the Easter break. This will allow a mid-way point to give context to your leaning and a final assessment of your work. 

• Practical: 4 Drawings/Sets of drawings (30%)
• Coursework: Personal Development Blog – 1,200-1,300 words (40%)   
• Practical: 4 Drawings/Sets of drawings (30%) 

• Requirements: You are expected to attend all classes and undertake approximately 85 hours of independent study in total during the module. Independent study includes reading and preparation for classes, researching and writing coursework assignments and preparing for other assessments.
• This module is designed as an undergraduate Level 5 module. For an explanation of levels, view the Imperial Horizons Level Descriptors page.‌