The Fine Art Preparation Course

This is our new Fine Art Programme introductory, portfolio building course. The course has been re written to reflect up to date methods of teaching and learning for introductory studies and is designed to respond to student needs in terms of regional and national requirements. It is essential to gain and understanding of materials and processes before embarking on an art degree programme and this flexible part time course enables you to build a portfolio at your own pace. It is ideal for those who want to improve their art and maybe have missed out on some of the essesntial skills. It is also designed for those with previous art experience and study that want to return to formal art training or simply want to refresh skills.

What you will Learn

The modular introductory / refresher course is designed to help you through the basics of all the main aspects of contemporary fine art practice. It includes intensive drawing and life drawing, and includes painting, mixed media 2D work, printmaking, creative photography, and a introduction to a wide range of 3-D techniques currently used in contemporary art, including environmental art and installation. Art history and theory underpins every branch of the subject.

How you will Learn

You will be taught by supportive, understanding tutors who will build your confidence at every step of the way. The course is taught by professional artists who bring first hand and up to date knowledge to your learning experience. The course runs with flexible timetabling to suit your needs – only one full day a week for 10 weeks per module. The course is offered in up to four different community centres across North-West Wales. You can study as much of this course as you like, even one module will give you a good understanding of some basic methods and you can choose when to start or stop, you do not have to commit yourself to the whole course – each module is self-contained so just sample one module to start with and decide whether you want to continue.

The Fine Art programme is delivered as geographically dispersed learning and as such certain specialist resources may not always be available.

The Course Content

There are two stages to the course. Stage 1 comprises the core course of three introductory modules taking you through materials, process and realization of ideas by tutor led projects and tasks. Stage 2 introduces further practical engagement with more independent and reflective learning with up to three modules chosen from the open studies portfolio. These modules are also delivered over one day per week for 10 weeks. The intensive core modules are designed to give you a broad and inclusive experience enabling the compilation of a portfolio of work that could in itself be sufficient for progression for further study.

The course is designed to build confidence with practical skills and develop and an engagement with visual enquiry and imaginative interpretation. The scheme of work for each core module describes weekly topics, themes and projects outlining demonstrations, seminars, gallery visits, and working in the studio or on location. You will gain an understanding of fine art practice and develop your critical awareness of contemporary art. Project work, studio sessions, tutorials and group critiques will allow you to apply that knowledge where it counts; in expressing your own ideas and creative abilities.

Students have access to a dedicated art studio in Bangor or appropriate community venues all equipped with easels and boards. Specialist materials are available as the course content directs and these are available at cost. You are expected to provide your own basic art materials. You have full access to the University Library, Linc Y Gogledd and IT facilities (in Bangor). As a student of Bangor University you have access to all Student Services.

To enrol please contact us on 01248 382475. To start the course sign up for a module. Download the form here.