Graeme Swanson Art Abstract Ideas Communicated Through Arts Projects
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Education: Tuition and Workshops 2023
I will be offering the following online creative learning programme from week commencing 16 January 2023
Bookings now available - e mail studio@graemeswansonart.com call / text +44 7759327657 WhatsApp
Abstract Advanced Tuition 10 week Course (online)
for those who have previously undertaken a beginners course or who have explored abstract painting and wish to learn new techniques and challenges.. This course will focus on developing your individual creative process, with individual tuition, focussing on personal objectives, including weekly constructive feedback,
The course will include:weekly peer group tutorials /discussions delivered live on Zoom or WhatsApp as peer group interactions with possible collaborations are important for self and group motivation and shared inspirations.
Developing your sense of abstract composition Developing your own creative process is the most important element and this can be achieved by maintaining a visual diary , mixing annotations, thoughts, ideas and feelings on outcomes from exploration, what to develop, what to omit . The compositional element - what do you particularly like in other artworks, why? Achieving a sense of balance or disruption or chaos or subtlety, we will look at elements which affect composition in terms of the effect that you want to convey.
I will be offering a range of preparatory techniques including stretching and preparing a canvas, stretching paper, paper types / weights, preparing work for exhibition including submitting photographic images, working with gels and mediums,I can advise on written support information such as artist statements
Constructive criticism and peer group discussion are important factors as once your artwork is out there or up there then it is open to review, remarks and admiration.. At what stage is your work ready? You will build on thetechniques already learned and pursue further creative ambitions and explorations to enable decisions as to a level of exhibition readiness.
Then consider Where? When? All your own work or mixed? Do you work towards exhibiting a specific painting at a specific venue or do you select from work which you have already completed?
Course Fees, payable in advance via BACS transfer PayPal SumUp
10 week course £220
5 week short course £125
Abstract Painting for Beginners (online)
What does abstract mean to you?
You can answer this question creatively and visually by undertaking this exciting and colourfully creative learning exprerience where the onus is on developing your individual style,techniques, potential working on paper and various other surfaces, mixed media and acrylic paint applications, colour and composition as well as an element of art theory and contemporary art practice.
For further details and information please do get in touch
10 week course £220
5 week short course £125
Individual Mentoring Abstract (online / in studio)
Enquiries and bookings are now available for January - March 2023 (days and times and session numbers to be mutually agreed))
In studio access / live tuition online, 1;1 guidance , support and constructive criticism throughout the development towards completion of a painting or portfolio of work on chosen surface(s). Surface selection and prepartion,colour theory, colour mixing , composition,supportive decision making. Mixed media techniques ( * please note that I no longer use oil paints within my studio ) presentation and preparation for exhibition / display.
Creative Drawing Practice (online) Weekly Tutorial sessions each Tuesday evening at 1900 UK time or Thursday at 13.00 with arranged personal 1:1 feedback sessions.
Tutorial session ae offered through zoom with individual feedback session offered by zoom, email, WhatsApp or Skype
The course content is designed for those who have completed a beginners drawing programme and wish to learn more challenging drawing techniques owrking with a range of media and paper surfaces.
Developing practical techniques I will be offering a range of preparatory techniques including drawing on different surfaces and paper types / weights.
(You do not need to purchase lots of expensive materials as there is scope to upcycle everyday alternatives such as cardboard, card, wrapping and newspaper .)
Exploring some mixed media techniques and turning drawings into colleges.
For mixed media you may wish to add to your range of drawing materials however using everyday items such as a ballpoint pen or felt tip marker pens etc can provide an alternative visual enhancement to a drawing. Sometimes when drawings do not quite work out the way you want, no need to rub out or throw away, why notre-assemble into a creative collage!
Developing your own creative process is the most important element and this can be achieved by maintaining a visual diary,,mixing annotations, thoughts, ideas and feelings on outcomes from exploration, what to develop, what to omit . The compositional element - what do you particularly like in other artworks, and why?
Exploring drawings.
Looking at the work created by other artists: Obviously we're not doing an art history degree but, in order to help with above points, it might be useful to point us in the direction of (and potentially discuss) some artists or exhibitions, be they well-known or otherwise..
Artists and galleries also. Some galleries are incredibly selective over what and who they exhibit however it is worth building up a list of those that do exhibit drawings as well as mixed exhibitions which can feature some stunning artworks often by artists who prefer to show in collective exhibitions than with galleries. I will cover this as well as suggest a range of artists with diverse techniques.both contemporary and past.
Constructive criticism and peer group discussion are important factors.
This helps with individual decision making and if you choose in future to exhibit or display your work publicly or online as once your artwork is out there or up there then it is open to review, remarks and admiration..
At what stage is your work ready? You will build on the 10 weeks already undertaken and pursue further creative ambitions and explorations to enable decisions as to a level of completion
We shall be working with easy to access natural form, objects within your own collections, found objects and spaces and places within easy reach of your home.
Exhibiting your artwork
We shall look at the diverse range of open competitions, gallery submissions, online exhibitions and charity fundraising opportunities
Some galleries are incredibly selective over what and who they exhibit however it is worth building up a list of those that do exhibit abstract art as well as mixed exhibitions which can feature some stunning artworks often by artists who prefer to show in collective exhibitions than with galleries. I will cover this as well as suggest a range of artists with diverse techniques.both contemporary and past.
Course Structure and fees
I am happy to offer either a 5 week or 10 week programme supported by individual tutorials and feedback sessions with additional constructive commentary by email / WhatsApp .
Advanced Drawing for Beginners Course - 5 week programme - £125 10 weeks £220
Edinburgh Drawing School Tuition - Spring Term 1 Fridays 20 January until 24 March 2023
Beaverhall Studios, Studio 4, 27 Beaverhall Road, EH7 4JE
I am once again delighted to be offering in person tuition for EDS in Abstract Painting
Course DescriptionThe course is suitable for complete beginners as well as those who have painted before and who would like to develop an abstract style. Returning students are welcome to repeat this course. During this 10 week course you will explore and express what abstraction means to you and create your own abstracted image or visual story. You can develop ideas, while experimenting with various techniques in painting (with acrylics), drawing, collage or mixed media. Tutor led inspiring creative exercises: Participants will be led through a series of progressive exercises providing practical interactive sessions exploring and preparing surfaces, painting and using mixed media techniques. Personal project planning When planning for your personal project we will discuss and practise: • Exploration of aims, ideas and themes • Individual needs and personal strengths • Research into material choices • Lateral thinking and creative process • Developmental ideas • Exploratory media handling • Colour • Composition • Creating an abstract composition – getting started ‘From representational to abstract’ An element of informal theory will also be included looking at how some famous artists developed their own abstract style Materials Consider what is most convenient or compact for you to carry to and from the studio - Acrylic paints (consider either a box set of small size tubes or a selection including red, blue yellow, black white) - Selection of brushes - Palette knives or discarded plastic cards - Paper a selection of loose sheets of different sizes e.g. A2 A3 A4 cartridge paper or small sketchpad. We will begin by using paper, so sketch pads are fine (e.g A3 cartridge or acrylic paper pads) or loose sheets rolled up. - Canvas (optional) small / medium size canvases are widely available at supermarkets and art suppliers. Your tutor will introduce a range of alternative surfaces as the course progresses, some of which can be 'upcycled' or you can consider purchasing a canvas or canvas board. For any enquiries regarding the course content or materials please contact the tutor prior to the start date by email studio@graemeswansonart.com
EDS Bookings and Contact
The Edinburgh Drawing School,13a Great King Street, Edinburgh, EH3 6QW 0131 556 097 Beaverhall Art Studios, 27 Beaverhall Road, https://www.edinburghdrawingschool.co.uk/booking-form?referral=service_details_widget
