Overview

This three-week intensive studio-based programme will help you question and explore the role of drawing in your practice.

You'll work alongside artists and creatives from various disciplines to produce work in a communal studio.

This is much more than a 'drawing' course - it has a conceptual/contextual underpinning but is still focused on the act of making. You'll use drawing-related ideas and processes as a starting point for both critical dialogue and your own artistic output.

Most of your time will be spent in the studio, where you'll develop and test your own work and experiment with different mediums and techniques.

The Slade's generous studio spaces let you explore ambitious projects that might not otherwise be possible, culminating in a final exhibition.

There will be a mix of tutor-led projects, one-to-one tutorials, group discussions, gallery visits, workshops and lectures.

The course runs from 9.30am to 4.30pm each day. You'll also have the option of attending extra-curricular events such as talks and exhibitions on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings.

Course content and structure

You'll reflect on what a drawing actually is and how contemporary drawing functions as its own discipline.

You'll explore:

• the cognitive act of drawing (drawing as a means of thinking)
• alternative methods for recording/observing
• using paper as a physical drawing material
• moving beyond and off the page

The first week focuses on specific drawing experiments created by the tutors, where you'll learn new techniques or approaches to drawing.

The second and third weeks are designed as independent study, supported by workshops and one-to-one tutorials. You'll be encouraged to expand on ideas within your own practice.

You'll be able to experiment with a variety of mediums and techniques, from traditional drawing materials to newer media - projectors, audio/visual equipment, computers, and sculpture tools.

Throughout the course you'll also have:

• gallery visits
• lectures
• group discussions/crits

At the end of the last week the group will produce an exhibition open to the public.

Who this course is for

The course is open to those from a wide range of creative disciplines who have some experience of drawing.

It's suitable for those who are self-directed and able to work independently.

Certificates

You can request an attendance certificate after completing the course. These can only be supplied during the year you take the course and can't be produced retrospectively.

Cost

The fee is:

• Two weeks - £800
• Three weeks - £1,200

A 10% discount is available for UCL current students and staff. You'll be asked to enter your UPI number (available on your UCL ID card) when booking.

Course fees must be paid in full at the time of booking.

Only basic materials will be provided. Once you've been accepted onto the course you'll be sent details of the materials you'll need.

Slade Summer School

The Slade Summer School offers a unique opportunity for you to work within the studios and vibrant atmosphere of the Slade - a world-renowned school of fine art. 

You'll become part of a wider community of artists and will have a real sense of studying in an art school environment among Slade students and alumni. You'll test your abilities while learning new skills and different approaches to making art.

You can take part in a lively range of extra-curricular activities, including: 

• art history lectures and artist talks introducing the varied contexts and histories of fine art
• exhibition openings and talks by Slade undergraduate and postgraduate students about their work
• a series of artists' projects run by Slade tutors, alumni and recently graduated student residents - you'll be invited into these studio spaces to discuss the works with the artists 

Evening events take place at 5pm on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. 

Take an extended programme of multiple courses

Many different one, two and three-week courses are available. You can build a personalised programme of study by taking a series of short courses over the ten-week period. 

Please call the Summer School team if you'd like do this - they have detailed knowledge of the curriculum and can help you plan a programme.

All the Summer School courses available are listed on the Slade website.

Further information

Read more about this course and others on the Slade website, which provides information about booking and cancellations.

Course team

All tutors are practising artists.

Course leader: Jim Hobbs

Course information last modified: 30 Nov 2022, 16:00