The first term is spent studying the basic tenets of drawing and painting. Students are set projects that will encourage a better understanding of the fundamental aspects of art – line, tone, colour, composition, form and space. These projects are studio based, dealing mainly with still life and the figure. The history of drawing and painting is an important element to the course and most days the class begins with a short lecture relevant to the day’s work which sets the practice of drawing and painting into its wider context.

By term two, students begin developing their own personal response to the practice of drawing and painting. Still working within a structure, they are given the support and guidance to begin developing an individual language and vision for their work. This is further encouraged in term three, when the students develop their own projects based around subject matter which inspires them.