ART & DESIGN

Course description

The Art & Design Foundation course will enable students to develop an understanding of the principles and practices in art and design, as well as gain knowledge and build a portfolio of experimental work that will result in the submission of successful applications to undergraduate programmes.

The syllabus considers expression and communication of ideas as much as the development of skills that would encourage understanding of visual perception and aesthetics. Most of the work produced would be practical or studio based, so that students can develop their abilities of observation and analysis of the visual world, which in turn would aid expression, imagination and creativity. The course also provides contextual studies and the content has been structured to broaden the students’ knowledge and enhance their ability to combine theory and practice and to develop their problem solving processes. Furthermore, the students have the choice to work on a topic that is relevant to their chosen pathways and learn how to develop a self-initiated project.

The course will offer students the chance to explore subjects in creative arts and design that are not available in other courses at our school. Students on the course, in addition to their Art & Design Studies will be able to study Fine Art, 3D Animation, Illustration, Graphic Design, Video Games, Photography, Fashion Design and Architecture, among others.

In short, the year-long Foundation course in Art & Design is a creative and inspiring multidisciplinary course that encourages students to explore different aspects of art and design, identify their strengths and develop pertinent skills and techniques.

Structure

The course is divided in two sections. The first explores core subject areas in visual arts and design, while the second focuses on the production of a final portfolio of creative work. Successful preparation of the portfolio is a key advantage for students wishing to be admitted to an undergraduate programme at a UK University.

An additional bonus for students would be the exploration of the city of Thessaloniki as a pool for inspiration and as a centre of civilisation and culture, by means of visits to museums and galleries and participation in art events. Seminars and lectures by visiting lecturers and seasoned professionals with diverse backgrounds are run throughout the academic year.

Aim of the course

The aim of the course is to:

• Encourage experimental work that reflects a personal style and identity
• Establish the acquisition of technical skills as well as visual and inspirational skills
• Enhance Creative Thinking
• Impart understanding of the historical, social, cultural and economic contexts of Art and Design
• Foster research, methodology, and idea generating processes
• Develop teamwork, self-management, time-management and professionalism
• Produce committed, creative and confident students

Learning outcomes

By the end of this course students should be able to:

• Deal with traditional, technical and experimental approaches to drawing and illustration
• Have a diverse background of knowledge in art, design and cultural subjects
• Work in teams and produce art work
• Develop an understanding in art and design projects
• Reflect upon methods, materials and outcomes
• Visualise, execute and communicate effectively their ideas
• Understand processes required to investigate, develop and deliver a creative approach
• Make their own processes and decisions in art and design problem solving issues
• Develop their skills in time management and organisation of their work
• Develop their own independent thinking and aesthetic style
• Demonstrate creativity and produce original work
• Present a high standard portfolio that will reflect their future professional direction

Syllabus

The course places special emphasis on acquisition of skills in drawing, painting, design, mixed-media techniques, self-directed study, resource-based learning (libraries, videos, films, magazines, journals, internet) research, observation and creativity. It is practice-based and work-based.

Throughout the course the students’ progress will be monitored by means of tutorials, reviews, group discussion and presentations, course work and assessments. These procedures are designed to support the students’ independent study and experimentation work through critical feedback from the tutor.

 

• Basic  Sketch Drills (the importance of drawing, improving the basic idea, from creative thought to image creation)
• Colour Theory (basic colours, colour combination, colour wheel,)
• Basic Composition Theory (Simplify the scene, Avoid the middle, Space to move, Creative with colours, Breaking the rules)
• Drawing Media and Techniques (Pencil, charcoal, ink, collage, aquarelle, acrylics, mixed media, brushes)
• Elements of Design (Color, Line, Shape, Direction, Space, Texture, Value)
• Principles of Design (Balance, Contrast, Emphasis, Harmony, Movement, Rhythm)
• Sketchbook Preparation (the importance of sketchbook as a part in artwork portfolio)
• Mixed Media Expressions (Texture, materials, collage, combinations)
• Inspiration Sources (How to find inspiration sources)
• Inspiration – Sketches – Final Project (How to present the final project by showing creative thinking)
• Photography Basics (Image, composition, scenario)
• Photography Technical Guides (How to use photography equipment)
• Photoshop (From basics to advanced)
• History of Art (Renaissance, impressionism, modern art, expressionism)
• History of Art Projects (Presentations in various history of art themes)
• Portfolio Preparation (Artwork portfolio contents according to chosen courses)