Working with Trees

 

Working with Trees can be studied as a stand-alone course and it is an optional course for the Certificate of Higher Education in Art and Design at Aberystwyth University.

Key Facts

 

Language: English

Duration: TBC

Number of Credits: 5

Tutor: Martine Ormerod

Learning Method: Face-to-face

Level: This module is at CQFW Level 4

Module Code: XA19505

Fee: £70.00 - Fee Waiver Scheme available 

This course is available to book.

 

Overview

The two day course is designed to explore the full process of charcoal burning through creating willow charcoal and learn the techniques of drawing with the medium ‘en plein air’ within the woodland. All classes will be outside therefore you will need to be fit and able to walk over uneven terrain.

Programme

A pre-course letter to highlight the tasks that are required by the students, the learning outcomes and assessment requirements and also note that the terrain will be uneven and that the whole course will be delivered out of doors.

  • Session 1:-
  • Introduction to course: a woodland walk to source materials and pare back woodland in a sustainable way
    Discussion on charcoal burning and demonstration.
  • Health and safety issues and a class discussion on risk assessments (this is not assessed but the class use this as a group activity)
  • Burning set up and started.
  • Home study: Between session one and 2 home study on exploration of papers and drawings made of trees as well as research on artists that will be brought to the 2nd session. This will be collated within the course log.

 

  • Session 2:-
  • Evaluation of experiments- discussion and critique.
  • This discussion / critique forms the basis for the drawing session.
  • Drawing with charcoal and working with demonstrations used by artists researched for home study.
  • Rubbing back technique used to pull the drawing back to the paper.

 

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this module, students should be able to:  

  • Source and burn home-made charcoal from willow
  • Demonstrate the techniques of drawing with charcoal on different types of paper
  • Complete a full drawing of woodland using charcoal

Assessments

  • Portfolio - 30%
  • Practical Skills assessment - 50%
  • Written Assignment - 20%

Reading Suggestions

Reading suggestions will be offered throughout the course.

Entry Requirements

This course is for everyone. No previous experience is needed and there are no formal entry requirements.

What Do I Need?

A list of materials, not included in the course fees, will be available prior to the course start date.