This course has two aims. The first is to give you the knowledge and confidence to work with a range of different core materials – not only in drawing and painting, but also in experimental techniques including collage, mixed media, photography, printmaking and film. The second is to help you explore your own ideas and to help you develop a personal visual language. A key part of this will be to give you the skills to develop ideas, research them, plan a body of work and bring it to a successful conclusion. This is an exciting and challenging class where you will be working in a lively and supportive environment. The course will be structured around a series of projects, each either a half or full term in length. Projects might start with an initial visit outside the studio, for example, to an urban landscape or gallery; or with a general theme, which will run through the term. There will be tutor demonstrations of the techniques introduced and individual guidance throughout. You will be encouraged to share your technical discoveries and ideas with other students. We will look at the work of traditional and contemporary artists to underpin our explorations and to help you place your own work in context.