University of Tasmania, Australia

Please note: This unit is currently filled. All interested students will be placed on a waiting list and offered a place if a spot opens.

In this unit you will explore and develop some key concepts and skills involved in understanding and making observational drawing. By completing a variety of line drawing exercises, you will strengthen your observational and perceptual skills, improve hand and eye coordination and learn to draw what you see. Working from life you will also develop the ability to structure drawings that incorporate a selection of drawing implements and mediums - graphite, charcoal and ink and brushes.

The unit is structured around three observational drawing blocks 1) life model drawing; 2) self-portraiture; 3) object drawing. In each of these blocks you will complete a series of exercises designed to improve and build upon skills of linear description, volumetric illusion and composition through study of using contour, gesture and line quality, anatomical structures, mass conceptions, tonal value, planes, spatial relationships and proportion.

Drawing is the backbone of almost every art discipline and a fundamental form of communication. This makes the ability to translate what the eye sees onto paper a valuable skill for artists but also for people working and studying in a wide variety of disciplines. The practice of observational drawing will improve concentration, drawing skill and your overall ability to see the world around you.

Location:
Tasmanian School of Art, Hobart

Unit Coordinator:
Dr Mary Scott

Teaching Pattern:
Week 1
Wednesday June 27 to Friday June 29
Daily from 9am - 12noon and 1pm - 3pm

Week 2
Wednesday July 4 to Friday July 6
Daily from 9am - 12noon and 1pm - 3pm

Week 3
Tuesday July 10 and Wednesday July 11
Daily from 9am - 12noon and 1pm - 3pm

Assessment Due Dates:
Task 1: 5pm Friday 29 June;
Task 2: 5pm Friday 6 July;
Task 3: by 5pm Thursday 12 July.

Prerequisites:
FSD153 Introduction to Drawing and/or 50% introductory level units (four first year level units). Students should have a very basic understanding of some fundamental concepts involved in understanding and making drawings such as line, tone and composition. The unit is suitable for students with varied backgrounds and experiences in drawing.

Enrolment Details:
This unit requires manual enrolment. Please register your details on our registration form or contact Olivia Bowman via Olivia.Bowman@utas.edu.au.

Material List:
A3 sketchpad/journal
A1 sketchpad
Graphite pencils: 2b 4b 6b 8b
Compressed charcoal or Conté; a minimum of 3 sticks (one each of soft, medium and hard)
1 thick black stubby texta; Artline 100
1 box of willow charcoal (fine sticks)
1 white eraser
1 kneadable eraser