Fine art painting ba(hons)

Year 1

First year tuition develops your ability to produce self-directed work. Studio practice units emphasise experimentation and risk-taking within a critical but supportive environment; workshops cover all technical essentials of painting; you'll explore the contexts of art; and seminars introduce you to professional development.

• Studio Practice 1: Introducing Studio Practice

  This module introduces you to the main elements of artists’ studio practice, with emphasis on investigation, experimentation and risk-taking, as important aspects of generating of new work. In this module, you will explore painting and the different roles of drawing, together with studies in a variety of media, as a means to process and develop source material, record information and generate ideas. You will develop your understanding of artistic practice and ability to lead your learning and research.

• Studio Practice 2: Developing an Independent Practice

  In this module you will explore the themes and ideas you initiated in semester 1, adding to this growing body of work with new subject matter and content. You will be helped to take increasing control of the direction of your own artistic research. The emphasis continues to be on investigation, experimentation and risk-taking. In addition, you will be encouraged to begin to articulate the art, historical and cultural context in which your work sits.

• Methods and Materials

  This module introduces you to materials, processes and technical skills and will support you to develop your confidence with independent research, time management and planning. You will learn how to make a stretcher and prepare a variety of supports and grounds. Through workshops and demonstrations, you will be introduced to a wide range of oil and water based media and learn about presenting and hanging work.

  You will be briefed on good health and safety practice within the workshops and studios.

• Introduction to Theories and Practices of Fine Art

  This module introduces you to a range of approaches used to think about the relationship between fine art practice and the social and cultural contexts in which art has emerged at various periods. Attention is paid to how artworks and art practices embody changing ideas, meanings, values and effects.

  The module includes students from all fine art areas, to encourage interdisciplinary dialogue. The module explores historical contextualisation appropriate for studio practice, supporting the development of library-based research and academic skills.

Making sure that what you learn with us is relevant, up to date and what employers are looking for is our priority, so courses are reviewed and enhanced on an ongoing basis. When you have applied to us, you’ll be told about any new developments through our applicant portal.