Emerson Visual Arts

Visual Arts Programme

 

First term

September - December

The first term leads students through guided exercises into the essential elements of each art form.

 

Clay modelling allows an experience of the world of three dimensions and the qualities that inhabit the different directions of space. We will explore the interplay of sculptural elements and discover the expressive language of form.

 

The work in painting is based on Goethe’s Colour Theory, first by exploring the qualities of each individual colour, then progressing to colour combinations and complementary colours. These explorations are done with watercolour on both wet and dry paper, allowing the colours to move and breathe.

 

In drawing the task is to bring alive the dynamics of line, tone and texture, slowly exploring and experiencing these elements before building up to the representation of the three-dimensional.

 

Woodcarving provides the opportunity of working with a substance formed by a living tree. Gaining skill in the use of tools, allows a creative dialogue to arise between the student and the material, out of which a sculptural form can arise.

 

 

Second term

January - April

The second term leads students more deeply into the world of creative processes. Working individually and for a longer time on one piece allows each student to create out of their own personal experiences and to become aware of the creative journey that every art work goes through.

 

In clay the work is to make a large abstract relief, exploring questions of composition – form and space, energy and direction, movement and rest – to achieve a dynamic, harmonious piece.

 

In painting the work is on a larger scale using watercolour, gouache and egg tempera on paper and board. The power of colour to express inner feelings is explored through inner landscapes and free compositions.

 

History of art lessons trace the evolution of art from the earliest cave paintings and standing stones to the present day. By observing and copying works of art it is possible to enter into the creativity of artists from the past. We can begin to sense how artists have felt in relation to the world of nature and spirit, and how art served the needs of their culture. With an overview of these vast and varied artistic endeavours we can then begin to conceive of our own position as artists in today’s world.

 

 

 

Third term

May - June

The third term takes students into the realms of nature with the inner gaze of the artist.

 

In clay modelling, the work is with the principles of metamorphosis – becoming inwardly mobile to experience the qualitative changes that take place as forms evolve and develop.

 

In painting and drawing, using exercises and methods of Goethean observation, we follow a process to create an open situation in which we can have artistic insights and intuitions into nature.

 

The ancient art of stone carving brings us into contact with one of the oldest and hardest substances of the earth. We can feel a kinship with sculptors throughout the ages who engaged in this archetypal act of chipping away substance to reveal hidden inner form.

For 2nd & 3rd Year programme: See Sculpture Course >