Service Description

How did the old masters from both East and West make their paintings? We explore the content and context of these fascinating and beautiful artworks and learn how they were created using the materials available in their times. Please note that this is a theoretical course, not a practical one (unlike the other courses). You’ll explore everything from Western Medieval illuminations to Chinese ink paintings and interpret the relationship between words and image. With your tutor, you will identify and analyse various techniques, including gilding and calligraphy. Each week starts with a live online session at a set UK time introducing the techniques with assignments to complete individually during the week via live slideshow. The following week we discuss the ideas in class together and build up a holistic picture of traditional painting techniques. We delve deep into each art form and consider it from different angles. Topics covered: * General overview of traditional and historic painting techniques * Traditional techniques, content and historic context of Western oil painting * Traditional techniques, content and historic context of Western Medieval painted book arts and illumination * Traditional techniques, content and historic context of Eastern Islamic, Persian and Indian miniature painting * Traditional techniques, content and historic context of Eastern painting on paper and scrolls, Chinese ink painting * Surface preparation including different papers, canvas, vellum/parchment, silk * Variety of tracing and transferring techniques * Drawing, ink and illumination techniques * Gold gilding techniques * Calligraphic techniques * Brushwork techniques, tools and equipment used * Pigments and paint making techniques * Paint application techniques, application of mediums and varnishes * Colour, composition, design and framing theory and ideas * Relationship between word and image * Rendering, shading and outlining techniques * Historic writing on painting techniques At the end of the course you will have a foundational knowledge of traditional and historic painting techniques which you can employ when looking at real-life examples in museums and galleries worldwide. You’ll gain a deeper and wider appreciation of world art forms. Finally, after discovering how the materials, tools, equipment and techniques were used in the past, we’ll explore how the craft of art is relevant to today’s artists, illustrators and designers.