Credit Points: 22.5
Study Time: 225 Hours

Drawing is widely regarded as a key skill for successful observation, recording, analysis, speculation, development, visualisation, evaluation and communication. This unit challenges restrictive notions of illustrative drawing by exploring the use of various modes including found, automatic, digital, mechanical and observational drawing. These techniques are given equal status and are explored and combined in a number of different ways. Whilst different approaches may imply differing cognitive, practical and intellectual skills, informing the whole process is the basic assumption that re-thinking our approaches to drawing can encourage existing understanding and accepted values to be re- appraised, leading to a broader range of potential outcomes. This unit gives you the opportunity to critically, contextually and creatively explore the effectiveness of a number of different approaches to drawing. It will challenge preconceived ideas about what drawing actually is as well as where it is placed within our constantly evolving subject specialism.

Outline Syllabus
(An indicative guide to the content covered in this unit.) 

• What is drawing?
• Introduction to a range of cognitive, creative and practical drawing approaches
• Exploration of media, processes and application of techniques
• Finding and making appropriate reference material
• Drawing theories, histories and methodologie
• What is the point of drawing? 
• Print making
• Life drawing
• Approaches to digital image making and print technologies
• Using photographic reference
• Machine drawing
• Bad and good drawing

Methods of delivery
Studio practice, lectures, seminars, location drawing, independent study, demonstrations, study trips, group critiques and tutorials.

Aims

A1 To provide opportunities for the development of the perception, visualisation and execution of drawing
A2 To enhance and develop skills in the application of a broad range of media, techniques and approaches
A3 To develop an evaluative and analytical ability in relation to drawing within visual communication

Learning Outcomes
On completion of this unit you will be able to:

LO1 Demonstrate an understanding of the possibilities in drawing
LO2 Demonstrate an ability to appropriately apply a wide range of traditional and non-traditional media and techniques
LO3 Analyse and critically evaluate the position of drawing within your practice as an illustrator

Reference Material

Key
Kovats, T. (ed.) (2007). The drawing book: a survey of drawing – the primary means of expression. London: Black Dog.
Kress, G. and van Leeuwen, T. (2006). Reading images: the grammar of visual design. 2nd ed. London: Routledge.

Recommended
Fanelli, S. (2007). Sometimes I think, sometimes I am. London: Tate.
Garner, S. (2008). Writing on drawing: essays on drawing practice and research. Bristol: Intellect Books.
Ruskin, J. (1971). The elements of drawing. New York: Dover.

Also recommended
The Illustrated Ape Magazine // The Illustrated Ape // Amelia's Magazine