Assessment Component 1 – Observational Drawing Portfolio (80%)

A structured portfolio of observational life drawing studies produced across the module.

Portfolio Requirements (Students must submit:

Minimum 20 observational studies, including:

8 x short-duration gesture drawings (1–5 mins)
6 x mid-length studies (10–20 mins)
4 x extended studies (45–90 mins)
2 x perspective-based observational interior or figure-in-space studies

* Evidence of:

Proportion and construction
Basic anatomical structure
Use of primary reference (live model sessions delivered in class)

* Media:
Graphite, charcoal, ink, or digital equivalent (as demonstrated in workshops)

Notes:

* All live observational work required for assessment is delivered during timetabled sessions.
* Independent study tasks focus on reinforcing techniques introduced in class (e.g., household object studies, self-portrait studies).
* No requirement to independently source life models outside taught sessions.

Assessment Component 2 – Reflective Presentation (20%)

A 5–7-minute recorded presentation.

Students will:

* Select 4–6 pieces from their portfolio.

* Explain:
What they were learning in each piece.
What improved across the module.
What they still find challenging.
One or two clear development goals moving forward.

* Clarification for Students
Presentation quality refers to:
Clear speaking.
Logical structure.
Ability to explain learning.

* High-level video editing or production skills are not required.
* Slides may be simple image-based pages.

Exploration of traditional drawing media (graphite, charcoal, ink and mixed media), including mark-making, tonal control, layering and subtractive techniques.

* Development of confident line work and line economy, understanding pressure, weight, and clarity in structural drawing.

* Application of basic construction methods using simple geometric forms to build the human figure and observed objects.

* Introduction to proportion systems and comparative measuring techniques to improve accuracy in observational drawing.

* Understanding and applying foundational perspective principles (1-point and 2-point) to place figures and objects convincingly within space.

* Development of observational drawing skills through live model sessions and object studies delivered within timetabled classes.

* Progressive study types including gesture drawing, mid-length structural studies and extended tonal studies to build fluency and control.

* Introduction to anatomical structure through major skeletal and muscular landmarks to support believable figure construction.

* Understanding light, shadow and volume to translate three-dimensional observation into two-dimensional representation.

* Development of communication skills through portfolio selection, peer critique and structured reflection on strengths, challenges and future skill development.

1. Apply a range of practical life drawing techniques and construction methods to produce observational studies.

Programme Learning Outcome: Application & Problem-solving

2. Demonstrate developing knowledge of perspective, anatomy, proportion and construction principles through progressively refined observational work.

Programme Learning Outcome: Knowledge & understanding

3. Present and explain life drawing work clearly to peers and tutors using appropriate visual and verbal language.

Programme Learning Outcome: Communication

4. Identify strengths and areas for improvement in your drawing skills and outline actions for further development.

Programme Learning Outcome: Reflection

Learning and teaching activities will be delivered through a structured blend of scheduled and independent study. Independent study will build on scheduled teaching and enhance skills learned in session. Scheduled sessions will typically include lectures and demonstrations that cover theoretical and practical art skills and allow students to apply techniques. Lessons will also typically develop professional communication and engage in peer learning.

Independent study will involve, set drawing tasks, recommended reading, research tasks, and ongoing development of skills.

- Appropriate Life Drawing Room
- Easels
- Traditional Art Materials
- AV/Screen
- Life Models
- Still Life Objects
- Image Scanners
- The Digital Academy Forum

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

Gurney, J. (2010), Color and Light: A Guide for the Realist Painter, Andrews McMeel Publishing

Huston, S. (2016) Figure Drawing for Artists: Making Every Mark Count, Rockport Publishers

Robertson, S. (2012) How to draw: Drawing and Sketching Objects and Environments from Your Imagination, Design Studio Press

Study the world around you with pencil and paper. Using construction methods and observational study you will create a portfolio of artwork studied from life. In this module you will cover the basics of life drawing and learn how to capture a subject in a variety of mediums! This module will also prepare you for presenting your work, as well as reflecting on it!