Assessment Component 1 – Digital Portfolio (80%)

Students will produce a structured portfolio consisting of:

* A defined number of observational drawing studies (e.g. 5–8)
* A series of guided digital painting studies exploring value and light
* Colour studies demonstrating basic colour relationships
* Evidence of construction methods (e.g. form breakdowns, underdrawings)
* Required supporting exercises set during the module

All tasks will be clearly outlined in the assessment brief, including expected quantity, scale and submission format.

The focus is on demonstrating understanding of taught principles and processes rather than producing highly polished final artworks.

Assesses LOs 1, 2 and 3

Assessment Component 2 – Reflective Video Presentation (20%)

Students will produce a structured 8–10-minute video presentation that includes:

* Overview of selected portfolio pieces
* Description of techniques used
* Reflection on skill development across the module
* Identification of strengths and areas for improvement
* Reference to relevant terminology and theory introduced in class

“Professional formatting” at Level 3 should be defined as:

* Clear structure
* Legible slides
* Logical sequencing
* Basic referencing where required

Not industry-standard polish.

Assesses LO 4

Students will be introduced to:

* Core art and design terminology
* Fundamental painting theory (line, tone, value, colour, composition)
* Observational drawing and painting from simple subject matter
* Construction methods to build accurate form and proportion
* Capturing light and shadow in basic scenarios
* Introduction to colour relationships and temperature
* Introduction to simple reflective practice

All tasks are structured and guided, with clearly defined briefs and parameters.

1. Create a digital portfolio that demonstrates understanding of foundational art and design principles, including line, tone, colour and composition

Programme Learning Outcome: Knowledge & Understanding

2. Apply taught digital painting techniques to produce a series of observational art responses to set briefs

Programme Learning Outcome: Application and Problem Solving

3. Demonstrate introductory understanding of relevant art theory and terminology using appropriate referencing conventions

Programme Learning Outcome: Research Skills

4. Describe and reflect on the development of their portfolio through a structured video presentation

Programme Learning Outcome: Communication

You will be expected to engage in a structured blend of scheduled teaching and independent study.

Scheduled sessions will typically include lectures introducing core concepts, alongside workshops where students apply techniques, participate in guided discussions, and undertake problem-solving and peer-learning activities.

Lecture sessions focus on theory, methodology and good practice, while workshop and development sessions provide individual guidance, practical demonstrations and support in applying artistic and technical principles.

Independent study will involve recommended reading, research tasks, and ongoing development of project work supported by digital resources and forum feedback.

Teaching activities are designed to mirror professional art-department feedback loops, enabling students to experience iterative development and critique similar to industry practice.

Software & Tools

* Digital Sculpting Tools (e.g. ZBrush or Blender)
* 3D DCC tools (e.g. 3ds Max or Blender)
* 3D Material Creation Tools (e.g 3D Coat or Substance Painter)
* Unreal Engine
* Digital Painting Software
* Wacom Tablets
* Version control
* Video editing software
* Digital Academy Forum
* Digital Academy Upload System
* Data Projection Resource

Block, B. (2020). The Visual Story: Creating the Visual Structure of Film, TV and Digital Media. 3rd Ed. Focal Press.

Edwards, B. (2013), Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain, 4th Ed. Souvenir Press Ltd

Gurney, J. (2010) Color and light: a guide for the realist painter. Kansas, Mo: Andrews McMeel. (978-0740797712)

Norling, Ernest R. (1999) Perspective Made Easy, Mineola, New York, Dover Publications

Robertson, S. and Bertling, T. (2014) How to render: the fundamentals of light, shadow and reflectivity. Culver City, CA: Design Studio Press. (978-1933492964)

Develop the core skills that underpin all great visual art. In this module, you’ll learn how to truly observe — training your eye to see light, shadow, shape and colour with clarity and intention — and translate what you see into confident digital paintings.

Through structured observational studies and guided practical exercises, you’ll explore line, tone, value and colour using industry-standard digital tools. Alongside building technical control, you’ll begin developing the ability to review your own work, identify areas for improvement, and track your creative progress.

This module focuses on establishing strong artistic foundations, giving you the visual understanding and digital confidence needed to progress into more advanced creative practice.