Portraiture Diploma

A Diploma in Portraiture from HSoA will we awarded on the successful graduation of study.

The part-time course is a carefully structured programme written within a framework of observational painting and drawing using the human model. You will be grounded in the skills needed to work from direct observation and will be helped to develop these skills into a personal body of work. The course further aims to help you acquire the perspectives and the sense of context necessary for working independently as an artist.

The two year Diploma Course (72 weeks) consists of 3, 3 hour sessions a week during term time (Tuesday 2-5pm,Thursday 2-5pm and Saturday1.30-4.30pm) over six terms of twelve weeks each.

A Diploma in Portraiture from HSoA will be awarded on the successful graduation of study

Course Leader Vincent Milne, Course Director Isabel H Langtry, Course Administrator Martin Darbyshire.

Course Content

The main emphasis of study will be in drawn and painted images from the model using a wide variety of media. Experimental monoprinting, lens based work and experimental, exploratory work in three dimensions will constitute essential elements of the course. Human anatomy, methods and materials, history of portraiture, pictorial composition and the construction of pictorial space will also be taught.

The Course Structure

Your First Year

A number of projects designed to build your knowledge of the human head its attributes and the whole figure- including drapery, will be introduced including a sculpture and a mono-print project in addition to sequential drawing and painting projects.

Technical aspects of oil painting including making a canvas will be taught.

During the second and third term projects will take on greater depth and longevity of study into the whole figure, the nude and the space around the figure.

Each project will highlight a relevant aspect, including tone, colour, paint application and composition of the pictorial surface. A public exhibition of your selected work at the art school forms the substance of your end of year assessment. Selection and curation of the exhibition are part of the learning process.

Your Second Year.

Building on the knowledge of your first Diploma Year the emphasis changes to the way you would like to use the strategies you have developed in the first year as well as following formal concerns and developing techniques and methods in greater depth.

Your painting, drawing and printing will develop as the ongoing issues involved in construction with narrative elements of your personal expression, imagination and the consideration of historical and contemporary context for your work will come more to the forefront of your studies.

In the final term you will be encouraged to set your own project in building a body of work which expresses a personal vision for assessment and exhibition to the public at the end of the second year.

Personal tuition and technical assistance will continue to be given.

Tutorials

Because of the one to one nature of personal dialogue and the intensive nature of skills teaching demanded by the Diploma programme, we are committed to a very favourable tutor to student ratio. Student groups will consist typically of between 12 -14 students sharing a painting studio. As well as individual studio discussion with the project tutor there are two 40-minute tutorials each term with a personal tutor assigned to you by the Course Director. Your tutors is a practising artist who exhibits professionally.

Drawing

HSoA considers drawing an integral part of an artist’s development. We will help you to progress skills which are necessary for the gathering of objective information and imaginative generation of ideas. Objective analysis allied to an experimental and explorative approach will help you find the personal language you need to visualise your ideas.

Contextual Study

Talks by visiting lecturers will help you place your ideas within a context of historical and contemporary painting. Reference will also be made to the development of ideas in sculpture and printmaking. No essay is required.

Professional Development.

Guidance and advice on developing your professional practice alongside talks by visiting lecturers, will be complimented by talks about online promotion and website building. An ability to discuss your work will be encouraged and supported. Advice on writing an artist’s statement and curriculum vitae and choosing a portfolio is always available from the Course Director. These skills may be used to make applications to postgraduate courses, to enter competitions and to apply for scholarships.

Studying at HSoA after Graduation.

After graduation you may wish to continue growing your knowledge at the art school, develop new skills in areas such as abstract painting, carving, modelling and or printmaking as you develop your practice further.

The Advanced Class or Course offers positive insightful dialogue to continue challenging your practice after graduation.

How will my progress be assessed?

• Positive feedback as well as peer discussion is encouraged at the end of studio sessions.
• Personal tutorials are scheduled each term.
• A formal assessment takes place at the end of the first year when work is shown at the annual Diploma Exhibition in July. You will be guided in making a selection for the exhibition and its curation which will be assessed by the Course Director (The Principal). A short report of constructive advice for reflection will be prepared.
• The second formal assessment takes place at the end of the second and final year when you will make a selection of work for the Graduation Exhibition, the External Examiner will prepare a report on your final exhibition and grade your work Pass or Referral.
• An attendance record of 90% is necessary in order to receive the Diploma.
• If you are unable to achieve the standard required, you will be offered the chance to re-present a body of work for assessment at a later date at the discretion of the External Examiner and Principal.
• Where there are difficulties, due to personal circumstances or for health reasons, appropriate arrangements may be made with the Principal to resubmit work.
• · HSoA’s Policy is to be supportive wherever possible

Application

On receipt of your application form (obtainable from the website or art school office) we will invite you to an interview with the Course Director, or her representative

You are asked to bring with you examples of recent paintings, drawings and sketchbooks. Where it is necessary to interview by Skype, evidence of work should be made available online.

Students of any age over 18 years who wish to develop their vocation in art practice are encouraged to apply.

Suitable applicants will receive an offer of a place after interview. You should confirm your acceptance of this offer in writing and by payment of a deposit of 10% of the first year’s fees, which will secure your place.

Fees for 3 Weekly Studio Sessions per Term total 9 hours per week =

£3,500 each Academic Year

Total over 2 years £7,000

Fees are payable before the start of the Autumn Term.

An External Examination Fee of £100 (approx) will be charged on the graduation term.

Timetable

Wednesdays 2.30-5.30pm ‘Portraiture and the Clothed Figure’ Tutor Vincent Milne

Saturday 1.30-4.30pm ‘Drawing the Life Model’ Tutor John Close

Thursday 2-5pm ‘Portraiture, Drawing and Painting’ with Vincent Milne