Young Artists Summer Holiday Portfolio Preparation (16 - 18 years)
Summer Holiday Portfolio Preparation Course
This 2-week intensive course for Young Artists aged 16-18, is designed for those considering applying to art school. The portfolio is an essential part of all applications to degrees and careers in the creative industries, from Fine Art, Graphic Design and Illustration to Filmmaking, Animation and Architecture.
This course will focus on observational drawing to develop students’ creative process, problem solving, idea generation, research skills, contextual knowledge and self-expression. This course will provide a creative and supportive environment for students to explore their creative intuition, collaborate with peers, ask questions, take creative risks, and build confidence in articulating ideas.
Students will have a taste of the authentic art school experience, as they are encouraged to experiment with extensive media, try experimental techniques, develop research skills, take part in discussions and group critiques, to bridge the gap between school/college and university this summer.
Students will receive bespoke guidance on art school applications and portfolio preparation, tailored to the unique requirements of each individual.
Week 1: Drawing in the Studio and Contextual Studies:
This week, students will focus on developing seeing and thinking skills through drawing from observation. Students will experiment with mark making, scale, tone, composition, and colour mixing. These intensive sessions will include drawing from the model, interesting studio sets, and drawing outside, using the world around them as a resource for ideas and inspiration.
On the final day of week 1 students will participate in a masterclass with a guest tutor, to gain experience in relevant drawing-adjacent specialisms, to speak to and ask questions of other professionals working in a creative field.
Students will visit leading London galleries to draw from the collections and installations in both weeks, to gain a good grounding in art history and contemporary practice and develop confidence in the analysis of visual imagery. Research carried out in Week 1 will inform Week 2.
Week 2: Practice:
Back in the studio, project-based learning will be used to explore the practice of art and design. Introducing concepts and approaches such as narrative, context, print, moving image, construction skills, imagination, and movement to push the limits of observational drawing. Students will receive individual feedback, advice on art school applications, including portfolio preparation, and personal statements reviews.
Over the two weeks, students will become familiar with the art-school practise of the group critique by taking part in regular discussions designed to build confidence in analysing artwork, expand artistic vocabulary, and test out thoughts and opinions with their peers.
On the final day of the course, students will conclude the week by curating and hanging an exhibition of selected works in a sharing session for family and friends from 3.30-4pm.
Book onto this course if you would like to develop:
- Drawing from observation and imagination
- Idea generation and communication
- Recording your creative process in a sketchbook
- Confidence in using a wide range of materials and techniques
- Research skills in art and design
- Collaborative working processes
- Evaluating your work and that of others
- Selecting work for a portfolio
- Preparation for applying to art schools
What you will take away from this course:
- A broadened concept of what drawing can be and lead to in an artistic practice.
- Drawing skill development through exposure to new ways of working and tailored advice.
- Improved confidence in ability to look, spend time with, interpret and share opinions on artworks.
- A fortified outlook towards their creative future in whichever direction chosen.
Dates:
Week 1: Monday 5 August - Friday 9 August.
Week 2: Monday 12 August - Friday 16 August.