This module introduces the practices of producing art work through progressive study in a variety of media.
Students will study the anatomy of the form, volume, and proportions through life drawing sessions and research, whilst applying a variety of techniques in traditional and digital media. The module will culminate in the production of a digital portfolio of innovative character designs and concept art towards a given brief.

Student will develop skills and understanding of:
• Art and Design theory
• The research process for creative works and visual design
• Observational drawing
• Perspective, foreshortening, anatomy, volume and form
• Developing their own skills and techniques in a variety of artistic media
• Light and shadow
• Character concept workflow and production methods
• Measured drawing and construction techniques for sketching

24 x 3 hours per week. 6x1 hr lecture per-semester

3 hours per week Lab sessions be delivered using a combination of lectures, seminars, class discussions, life/observational drawing, supervised tutorials and external visits (museums/art galleries etc).

1 hour per week scheduled for lectures on design and colour theory.

The work will be of a combination of theory and practical, and students are expected to use their independent study time to experiment with artistic materials and complete a series of exercises.

Adobe Creative Suite
Wacom tablets
Traditional Art Media
Life Drawing subjects (12 weeks)
Digital Forum
Data Projection Resource
Digital SLR Cameras

Bridgman, George Brant, (1973) Constructive anatomy, Dover Publications
Goldfinger, Eliot (1991), Human Anatomy for Artists: The Elements of Form, Oxford University Press
Goldfinger, Eliot (2004), Animal Anatomy for Artists: The Elements of Form , Oxford University Press
Mattesi, M (2006) Dynamic Life Drawing for Animators, iUniverse
Mattesi, M (2008) Force: character design from life drawing. Focal Press
Metzger, Philip W. (2007) The art of perspective : the ultimate guide for artists in every medium, Cincinnati, Ohio, North Light
Norling, Ernest R. (1999) Perspective made easy, Mineola, New York, Dover Publications
Peck, Stephen Rogers (1982), Atlas of human anatomy for the artist, Oxford University Press

1. DEMONSTRATE PROGRESSIVE DEVELOPMENT OF THE FOLLOWING AREAS: DRAFTSMANSHIP, COMPOSITION, PERSPECTIVE, ANATOMY, VOLUME, PROPORTION, THROUGH A NUMBER OF OBSERVATIONS AND PRACTICE
[Enquiry; Problem Solving]

2. DEMONSTRATE A RANGE OF PRACTICAL TECHNIQUES TO PRODUCE A PORTFOLIO OF FINALISED CONCEPT DESIGNS AND DIGITAL ART WORK
[Application; Knowledge and Understanding]

3. ANALYSE AND EVALUATE THE ACCOMPANYING PORTFOLIO OF WORK THROUGH REFLECTIVE DISCUSSION.
[Communication; Reflection]

A portfolio demonstrating progression in artistic development and understanding of art and design aspects in a variety of media. The sketchbook should include reflective discussion and self-critique of completed works and artistic experimentation. Emphasis lies in the journey and creative processes and the student s ability to communicate visually. (Learning Outcomes 1, 2 and 3) 60% weighting

A comprehensive character or environment concept design project, created from a given brief. The portfolio should show a thorough understanding of iterative design process, leading to the production of several concepts and a final piece. The project is underpinned by the artistic theory and concept workflows established in lectures. (Learning Outcomes 1, 2 and 3) 30% weighting

An assessment presentation consisting of relevant pieces from the art portfolio, integrated with the concept design project. This should convey insight into skill development throughout the module, and how those skills were applied in the completion of the project. (Learning Outcomes 1, 2 and 3) 10% weighting

Students will develop their observational skills through both traditional and digital art techniques, including life drawing, clay sculpting, and digital painting. They will also learn to apply their theoretical knowledge to concept designs in an independent project.