Main course disciplines

Painting

Students learn a broad range of technical and conceptual skills that are pursued to a high level of competency. The human form (some of the UK’s foremost young figurative painters reside and teach at the Academy) and the key elements of painting are examined and a passion for painting encouraged. Founded upon a strong skills base, students are encouraged to develop innovative work of emotional and conceptual depth.

Some areas explored in painting are:

• Materials & methods • Supports, mediums and paint making • Methods of painting (oil to egg tempera) • Elements of painting • Light • The palette • Colour & tone • Composition in painting • The human form in painting • The land in painting • Printmaking • Photography • Drawing • Other painting cultures • Abstraction/creative painting

Sculpture

We ensure that a wide range of technical skills is developed, to give scope for creative development. Taught by tutors specialising in these areas, these skills are the building blocks for the creative studio practice.

Some areas explored in sculpture are:

Modelling techniques • Figure and portraiture • Glass • Ceramics • Stone and wood carving • Tools and carpentry • Armature making • Plaster and wire • Creative projects • Land art • Installation and performance • Mould making • Pewter and wax casting • Cold casting • Steel welding and fabrication • Silversmithing techniques (copper and brass)

Studio Practice

Studio Practice is aimed at developing the student’s individual artistic vision. It is structured around specific projects over the first half of the three years, and self-directed over the second half. These classes are cross-disciplinary, and involve group critiques, presentation and individual tutorials. In the final year, students are expected to investigate an area of interest, producing work of an original nature that culminates in the graduate exhibition. This part of the course also includes a wide range of study topics, such as: exploration of individual creative vision; the nature of art and artistic practice; each student’s understanding of contemporary art culture and their place in it; the conceptual, emotional and material aspects of art; mental awareness and clarity. Debates are also held on a variety of pithy artistic issues.

Drawing

Drawing, in the widest sense, is considered a fundamental practice within the Academy, not only as a primary visual tool for all artists, but also as a fundamental tool for refining visual observation and perception. Thus it is a core subject of study for all students in the 1st and 2nd Levels. The drawing unit explores observation, creativity, composition, water- based drawing & the human form, amongst other areas, with an emphasis on how we understand, perceive and respond to the world.

Art History & Contextual Studies

The Art History & Contextual Studies programme is intended to enhance students’ theoretical knowledge of the visual arts and contemporary culture. The course is a combination of lectures, seminars, exhibition visits and essays. Each student is encouraged to develop a critical faculty and to locate their practice in the broader context of the visual arts debate. At the 3rd Level students are required to research and write a dissertation (3-5000 words) an area relevant to their own art practice.

Professional Development

The Level 2 and 3 Professional Development programme equips students to participate confidently in the world as practising artists. The subject will explore areas of arts law, marketing, tax, portfolio presentation, websites and funding etc. Students will be expected to prepare curricula vitae and portfolios. Visiting arts specialists, such as gallery directors, curators, lawyers and accountants, will give seminars wherever possible.