DRAWING AS MEDITATION

Terence Visagie, full-time artist

Monday 25–Friday 29 January < 9.30 am–12.30 pm < COURSE FEES R3 35; Staff and students R1 75

Maximum number of participants 20

This course includes a range of exercises for beginner- and intermediate-level artists. The objective is to have fun while drawing and continuously practising fundamentals. Participants will learn to draw geometric forms (cube, sphere and cylinder) and render them using light and shade. This method of drawing aims to develop an understanding of the 3D structure of an object by breaking it down into simple geometric forms. These exercises will be followed by a short introduction to perspective, with some exercises focusing on 1-point, 2-point and 3-point perspective. In the second session, after a demonstration, participants will have the opportunity to train their hands to follow their eyes, improving hand-eye coordination and observational skills. We will build on the observation techniques through constructive drawing. Participants will draw objects as if they are transparent with cross contours. The perspective lessons learnt on the first day will be applied during these exercises. We will then move on to explanations and exercises based on concepts such as unity, contrast, harmony, gradation, shape and rhythm. These ideas will be put into practice by making thumbnail sketches and Notan studies. On the last day participants will do gestural studies and draw the figure from life.

Session titles

1. Form construction and value in drawing

2. Structured drawing exercises to be combined with playful mark-making exploration

3. Contour drawing

4. Still life exercises focusing on design and composition

5. Figure drawing from life

Recommended reading

Edwards, B. 2001. Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain. Collins.

Loomis, A. 1951. Successful Drawing. Online.

Nicolaides, K. 1941. The Natural Way to Draw. Houghton Mifflin Co. Boston

Norling, ER. 1999. Perspective Made Easy. Dover Publications.

Robertson, S. 2013. How To Draw. Design Studio Press.

Robertson, S. 2014. How To Render. Design Studio Press.

Some of these books are available free of charge in pdf format on the internet.

TO BOOK: https://www.webtickets.co.za/v2/performance.aspx?itemid=1603271082