The Painting Short Course Program provides students with an opportunity to explore the technical and conceptual possibilities of painting and drawing in a supportive yet critical environment. Classes examine the historical and traditional methods of the medium, as well as providing expert and updated knowledge about how to work creatively with the medium today.
The program is comprised of four short courses each with a particular focus including materials and observation; resource development; technical development and contemporary master painting analysis. Students can elect to complete one term or all four, with no prior knowledge of the previous term's work being necessary to enrol.
Students will explore a wide range of practical techniques including the use of oil, acrylic, enamel and spray paints. They will learn to prepare a variety of painting surfaces, including canvas, wood, paper and perspex. Brush, stencil and varnishing techniques will also be delivered. Discussion and debate about the traditional and complex medium of paint is an important part of the course.
All classes are taught by expert, practising artists at the Victorian College of the Arts' School of Art in Southbank.
The Painting Short Courses are aimed at teaching new skills to the beginner whilst also assisting the student who wishes to consolidate, refresh and fine tune their existing knowledge in a structured work environment.
The courses aim to develop a general knowledge of painting techniques and materials, develop knowledge of colour theory, and to demonstrate an ability to use paint as a means to convey a creative visual idea. The courses provide guidance and an opportunity for students to integrate visual, technical, and conceptual aspects in their paintings, whilst also developing knowledge of a wide spectrum of paintings from various eras and cultures, including the contemporary.
Painting One: Materials and Observation
This term focuses on students becoming familiar with painting mediums and supports. Paper and canvas stretching, observational studies from life, colour discussion, the capabilities of various brushes/knives and wet into wet painting techniques.
Painting Two: Resource Development
To encourage the use of various resource material to create a painting. This may result in overlapping imagery from photographic sources or the emphasis on bringing together different visual elements.
Painting Three: Technical Development
Students will experiment with various glazing techniques over prepared surfaces employing alternative methods for translating imagery (use of a projector and grid), and varying painting techniques.
Painting Four: Contemporary Master Painting Analysis
This short course is a look at contemporary painters with the opportunity to investigate various techniques and mediums.