Course
Foundation Course
Course Overview
This course is suited to all levels.
For those wanting to study during term-time, the Foundation Course is necessary for all newcomers, regardless of experience.
The Foundation Course is 60 hours in total; it is separated in 2 parts.
Part 1 (Fundamental Charcoal Drawing) and Part 2 (Fundamental Oil Painting).
For those studying half or 1 day a week, the foundation course is completed first. For those studying more than 1 day a week, the foundation course is taken alongside other courses, like figure drawing, still-life and sculpture.
Students will receive clear, step-by-step instruction with plenty of individual critique and demonstrations from the tutor. Classes are kept to maximum 13 students; each has their own easel and will be paired up with a student at a similar stage. Please note: there may be others in the class at a more advanced stage (following the atelier method) but each group is taught to their level.
Though we highly recommend the Foundation Course, students can join our workshops and short courses without having completed the Foundation Course.
Term dates & pricesCourse content
- PART 1 Drawing gives students a ‘big picture’ overview of the techniques used at LFAS. Over 10 weeks students learn the 4 key principles of drawing: proportion, mass, line and value. Students start with quick line exercises in charcoal on brown packing paper, building towards longer value drawing on white or toned drawing paper, to understand charcoal handling, values, edges and composition. After week 5, students develop longer drawing projects from plaster casts and still life set-ups, and work with chalk and sanguine to learn about building the lights and thinking about temperature. This is as a stepping-stone to the oil painting course.
- PART 2 Painting students learn the 4 key principles of painting: proportion, line & volume, chiaroscuro and colour. From value, grisaille, limited colour palette (Zorn) to full-colour palette, students learn paint application, edges and composition alongside colour theory and colour mixing practice. Beginning by painting simple casts and still life objects, students will paint more complicated still life compositions towards the end of the term.
Days and Times
Foundation classes are held on:
Monday or Tuesday: 9.45am-12.45pm; 1.30-4.30pm; 6.30-9.15pm
Saturday: 9.45am-12.45pm; 1.30-4.30pm
Many of our classes are oversubscribed, but we will try to give you your first choice. However, please also indicate a second choice.
Students attend the same class each week for the duration of the 10-week term. Term dates and prices here.
Apply here or for more information email info@londonfineartstudios.com
Materials
At the beginning of term students will need to buy a box of charcoal and chamois (fabric for erasing), available from Lavender Hill Colours. Paper is provided initially. In week 4 you will need to buy quality paper so as to more effectively work the chiaroscuro stage. In week 6 or 7 students start to work in oils, for this will you will need a Starter Painting Kit.
Recommended Further Studies
We encourage students to compliment their studies by taking the time to visit exhibitions and practice sketching in museums. In addition, the Studios host a range of events throughout the term aimed at enhancing the artist’s understanding of their craft and the tradition that they are working within.
We recommend the following books available from Lavender Hill Colours
Alla Prima II – Richard Schmid (paper back or hard cover)
Charles Bargue & Jean-Léon Gérôme Drawing Course
Gerald M. Ackerman
The Practice & Science of Drawing – Harold Speed
Portrait Drawings – John Singer Sargent
